Blood donors are heroes
2005-12-01
THE Western Province Blood Transfusion Service requires 140 000 units of blood to supply the demand of blood usage in the Western Province.
It is estimated that a large percentage of the population will require or have received blood or a blood product by the age of 72, yet less than 3% of the population are blood donors. This makes the miraculous efforts of blood donors very special.
When Kahlil Gibran quoted “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It’s when you give of yourself that you truly give;” he must have had the intentions of blood donors close at heart.
Donating blood is safe and simple! Potential blood donors must weigh more than 50 kg, be older than 17 years, be generally healthy and must lead a safe lifestyle.
You will be required to complete a confidential health questionnaire which is done in the interest of the donor and as well as the patient receiving the blood to eliminate the chance of transfusion transferable infections.
Your iron level will be tested by means of the “finger-prick” method and your blood pressure is also taken. Once the tests are successfully completed a sister will draw one unit of blood (450 ml) from a vein in your arm.
The blood volume of the donor is replenished within 24 hours, while cells and platelets within 72 hours and red cells within three to four weeks.
Two vials are also taken for testing (Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C and HIV) and confirmation of blood groups. After testing, the blood is issued to the various blood banks around the Western Province.
Blood Donor clinics are held at the Paarl Regional Offices at 263 Main Street every Thursday from 12:00 to 19:30.
For enquiries contact Claudette Arends at 871-1030 or 084-564-5458.
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