Donate blood today, and save lives

By donating your organs you could potentially save seven lives, by donating blood you could save hundreds. Gugulethu always wanted to save lives but she also wanted to work in government communications. When she discovered that she could do both, she decided to become a blood and organ donor. 

As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we focus on the importance of donating blood this World Blood Donor Day.

Blood - the source of life
Eight out of ten South Africans will need blood or blood products at some time in their lives, reports the South African National Blood Service (SANBS). Further one out of every ten patients in a hospital will require a blood transfusion. Like Gugulethu you can help save lives by donating blood, which is vital for the survival of human beings.

Blood is in constant demand for the treatment of patients involved in accidents, patients with cancer, leukaemia or with bleeding disorders, such as haemophilia among others. Many surgical operations would not be possible without the availability of blood. Blood may be needed during or following childbirth or for an exchange transfusion in newborn babies.

The need for blood never stops. According to AABB (American Association of Blood Banks), "a blood donation truly is a ‘gift of life' that a healthy individual can give to others in their community who are sick or injured. In one hour's time, a person can donate one unit of blood that can be separated into four individual components that could help save multiple lives."

Blood carries oxygen and nutrients all over the body and helps to remove waste from cells. Sometimes a small wound may cause one to lose a little blood, but the body is easily able to survive this. However, if too much blood is lost it can be very dangerous to one's health and even result in death.

When a person has lost too much blood it is necessary to replace this blood quickly in order to save his or her life, this is where your donation could help. The only way to do this is via blood transfusion. Blood transfusion is a medical treatment that replaces the blood lost in one person with the donated blood of another person. The donated blood is stored in a bag and is given to the recipient via a tube into his or her vein. Blood transfusions are also performed on people suffering from blood-related illnesses who require new and healthy blood cells.

Who can donate blood?

To donate blood you have to:

• Weigh at least 50kg;
• Be between 16 and 65 years of age;
• Be in good health; and
• Consider your blood safe for transfusion.

The following people should not donate blood:

• Those who have donated blood within the previous 56 days;
• Those who are HIV positive;
• Those who have hepatitis B, hepatitis C or syphilis;
• Those who have had more than one sexual partner in the last six months or sexual contact with a partner whose sexual history is unknown to them; and
• Those who have ever injected themselves with drugs.

How do I donate blood?
In South Africa, blood donation is done through SANBS. Donating blood is easy, totally safe and free of charge. It takes about 30 minutes to donate blood and it can be donated every 56 days. You will give about 480ml of blood, after which you will be advised to remain on the donor bed for a few minutes while having refreshments.

How long will it take to replenish the donated blood?
SANBS says your body replaces the blood volume within 24 hours. Your red blood cells are replaced by the bone marrow into the circulatory system within about three to four weeks, and the lost iron is replaced within six to eight weeks.

Does my blood type matter in donating?
There are four different types of blood, namely A, B, AB and O. These are further classified into negative or positive, which is simply a way of determining different blood types. For example, one person may be A positive and another A negative. They are both of the blood group A but there are differences in their blood. Your blood type is totally unrelated to HIV status. Whether a person is of a negative or positive blood type has nothing to do with whether they are HIV positive or negative. A person can be an A positive blood type but be HIV negative and vice versa.

Each person has a particular blood type and can give blood to any other person of the same type. Type O is always in demand as it can be given to patients of any blood group in an emergency. However, it is not only important for type O people to donate blood. A, B and AB blood is still used in transfusions to people of the same type and this can save supplies of type O for emergency situations.

For more information about donating blood and to find a SANBS clinic near you please call the SANBS toll free number on 0800 11 90 31 or visit SANBS Facebook page.

If you would like to know how GEMS can assist you or would like to obtain more information about any of your healthcare needs, you can phone the GEMS' call centre on 0860 00 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and well-being.

References:

1. The South African National Blood Service, http://www.sanbs.org.za/  
2. AABB http://www.aabb.org/resources/donation/Pages/whydonate.aspx