Introduction
Who we are
Introduction
Who we are
Recognising lifesaving commitment
To express our deep appreciation, SANBS honours donors who reach extraordinary milestones. During the year under review, we hosted 65 donor for Life Award functions across 32 branches, recognising 12 617 milestone donors for their selfless service. These events not only celebrate their contributions but also inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
SANBS also shows gratitude through tokens of appreciation, such as small gifts, certificates, and commemorative items, heartfelt gestures that reflect the deep value we place on our donor community. The generosity of our donors is a powerful reminder that consistent, committed blood donation changes lives, not just once, but over and over again.
14 days
We reached 14 days of Group O blood stock level to meet demand.
Through the generosity of our donors, SANBS achieved a blood stock level of 14 days, a milestone we have not reached in years. This remarkable achievement reflects the power of collective action and community support. But it is not a finish line. We must remain vigilant, continue raising awareness, and grow the sustainability of our donor base to ensure every patient in need has access to life-saving blood, every day.
Why should I donate?
Donating a unit of this “precious gift of life” saves the lives of those in dire need of blood. It’s essential to develop a habit of donating blood so that SANBS can collect enough to ensure quality blood is always available in emergencies.
Thousands of patients could die daily without sufficient quality blood in stock. When you donate blood, you give patients a gift that money cannot buy and science cannot create. A single unit of blood can save up to three lives, as it is separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets.
Upon arrival
Upon arrival, you will be met at reception by our friendly staff who will assist you.
Identification
You will be required to produce a valid identification document which will then be scanned to verify your information.
Registration
The SANBS staff member will register you and capture your details at the registration station.
Verification
After registering, your information is verified and your photo will be taken and linked for future identification.
Eligibility
Congratulations, you are now eligible to donate blood and can proceed to respond to the digital Medical Questionnaire.
Medical Screening
Proceed to a confidential Medical Screening area for a one-on-one interview and a check of your blood pressure and haemoglobin level.
Donation
Upon completion of the medical assessment, you will be ushered to the next available bed and prepared to donate blood.
Completion
Once you’re done donating blood, you may leave the centre with a sense of pride for saving up to three lives.
Meet our donors
Meet our donors [1]
Meet our donors [2]
Meet our donors [3]
Meet our donors [4]
Meet our donors [5]
Journey of blood
Every donation undergoes a tightly managed, traceable process, from secure barcoding and infectious disease screening to component separation and storage. With rigorous safety protocols and innovative technologies like smart fridges and remote delivery, SANBS ensures blood reaches those who need it most, safely and quickly.
A unit of blood is drawn from a volunteer donor.
Blood is collected into a sterile bag and labelled.
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 into it’s different components.
Plasma contains proteins and clotting factors used to treat patients with massive bleeding or clotting factor deficiencies
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
Platlets are crucial in helping blood to clot. Patients with low platelet levels often suffer from bruising and bleeding
Local hospitals place orders with SANBS for blood products based on their needs.
Blood is tested to ensure that it is safe for transfusion.
Blood products are stored for transfusion: (Platelets: 5 days, Red blood cells: expire after 42 days, Plasma: has a 1-year shelf life from day of collection).
Blood is transfused to patients in need. Just one blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives.
See Journey of Blood