The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is collecting fewer blood donations than needed to maintain hospital supplies, with current collections falling short of the 3 500 units required daily.

SANBS needs to collect about 3 500 units each day to maintain a five-day national supply for hospitals across the country.

The service said the decline is partly due to fewer blood drives at schools and universities during examination periods, while donors also face competing demands on their time.

SANBS is calling on regular donors who are due to donate, first-time donors and former donors who have stopped giving blood to come forward.

Hospitals continue to treat patients requiring transfusions throughout examination periods, including mothers giving birth, people undergoing surgery and victims of accidents and trauma.

Monique Schreiner, senior manager of donor relations at SANBS, said: “Every donor helps strengthen our blood supply and gives patients the hope of another tomorrow.”

The service is particularly appealing to O and B blood group donors who are due to donate. O-negative blood is used in emergencies as the universal blood type, while group B blood is important for maintaining supplies for specific patient groups. However, donors from all blood groups are needed.

“Blood cannot be manufactured. It can only come from people who choose to give,” Schreiner said.

A donation takes about 30 minutes and can save up to three lives, according to SANBS.