Your blood saves lives
A pint of blood
is drawn from a
volunteer donor.
O+
Blood
Donor
Blood is transfused to patients
in need. Just one blood
donation has the potential
to save three lives!
Blood is
collected into
a sterile bag
and labelled.
South African
National Blood Service
CK 06
Units are
transported to the
nearest SANBS
testing and
processing lab.
In the processing
laboratory, blood is
spun down in a
centrifuge and then
separated in to
its different
components.
What
happens
to your
blood
donation
Red Blood Cells
Contain haemoglobin, a
protein that carries oxygen
throughout the body.
Used to treat patients with
anaemia or blood loss due to
trauma or surgery.
Plasma
Contains special
proteins and clotting
factors required to
assist platelets to form
blood clots and to treat
patients with serious blood
disorders.
Blood products
are stored prior
to transfusion. The
shelf life of blood
is limited.
Platelets expire
in 5 days.
Red blood cells
expire in 42 days.
Plasma has a 2 year
shelf life from the
day of collection.
Local hospitals place
orders with SANBS for
blood products based on
their needs.
Blood is tested
to ensure that
it is safe for
transfusion.
Platelets
Crucial in helping
blood clot.
Patients with low
platelet levels often
suffer from bruising
and bleeding.
Toll free: 0800 11 9031
www.sanbs.org.za