October is Plasma Awareness Month, which celebrates the crucial role plasma plays in providing life-saving transfusions for patients in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For many patients plasma is a lifeline \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) highlights the importance of blood or plasma donations with their \u201cGive someone a lifeline\u201d campaign, where a single act of donation can make a difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d said Michelle Vermeulen, WCBS head of the marketing and public relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blood donation takes just 30 minutes and can save up to three lives by breaking whole blood down 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 is then returned to your body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A professional nurse conducts a medical screening, checking 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Donors must be between 16 and 75 years old, weigh at least 50 kg, be in good general health and live a safe sexual lifestyle. Donors are advised to eat a meal three to four hours before donating and to stay well-hydrated before, during, and after donation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plasma donation is available on appointment at a fixed donation centre \u2013 Blue Route Mall, Kenilworth Shopping Centre, Long Street, N1 City Shopping Centre and Cape Gate Shopping Centre \u2013 from 09:00 to 17:00 on weekdays during the week. Some donation centres offer additional days or different times that can be confirmed online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you to all our loyal donors for your commitment and generosity throughout the year, and for giving of yourselves so selflessly,\u201d Vermeulen added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information or to find your closest blood donation clinic, visit www.wcbs.org.za, download the WCBS app, or send a WhatsApp message to 060 549 7244.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
October is Plasma Awareness Month, which celebrates the crucial role plasma plays in providing life-saving transfusions for patients in 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