This Plasma Awareness Month, donors can help support people facing trauma, bone marrow failure, cardiac surgery, sickle cell disease and more!
Cape Town, South Africa (04 October 2024) – October marks Plasma Awareness Month, celebrating the crucial role plasma plays in providing life-saving transfusions for patients in need. For many patients, plasma is a lifeline — essential for survival. Plasma donations are often necessary for people with chronic conditions requiring regular transfusions, which include trauma, bone marrow failure, cardiac surgery, sickle cell disease and many more. Without these donations, their chances of survival are slim.
The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) highlights the importance of blood or plasma donations with their ‘Give someone a lifeline’ campaign, where a single act of donation can make a difference.
“We are excited to welcome all new and loyal donors this October; it is truly their blood and plasma donations that are a lifeline to patients desperately in need,” says Michelle Vermeulen, Head of the Marketing and Public Relations Department at WCBS.
Blood donation takes just 30 minutes and can save up to three lives by breaking whole blood into three products: red blood cells, plasma, and platelets—giving up to three patients a second chance at life. Plasma donation takes about 40 minutes as this process separates the plasma from your red blood cells, which are then returned to your body.
About the Donation Process
Donors begin with a confidential questionnaire and verify their details. A finger prick test checks their haemoglobin levels, ensuring they meet the required 12.5 g/dl for women and 13.5 g/dl for men for whole blood (plasma donation requires a haemoglobin level of between 12 g/dl and 16 g/dl). A professional nurse conducts medical screenings and checks blood pressure and pulse. Donors then proceed to donate a unit of life-saving blood, followed by delicious juice and biscuits to replenish lost fluids.
Basic Blood Donor Criteria:
- Age between 16 and 75 years
- Weigh at least 50 kg
- Be in good general health
- Live a safe sexual lifestyle
- Donors are advised to eat a meal 3-4 hours before donating and to stay well-hydrated before, during, and after donation.
Where can you donate plasma?
Plasma donation is available by appointment at the following fixed donation centre from 09:00 – 17:00 during the week.
- Blue Route Mall
- Kenilworth Shopping Centre
- Long Street
- N1 City Shopping Centre
- Cape Gate Shopping Centre
Some donation centres offer additional days or different times that may be confirmed directly on our website.
“Thank you to all our loyal donors for your commitment and generosity throughout the year and for giving of yourselves so selflessly,” says Vermeulen.
For more information or to find your closest blood donation clinic, please visit www.wcbs.org.za, download the WCBS App, or send a WhatsApp to 060 549 7244.
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