Will SANBS let me know the result of my HIV test?  I was told I could get a free AIDS test at the donor centre.
SANBS follows doctor/patient confidentiality when dealing with viral results and the necessary procedures are followed to inform donors.

Please understand that SANBS does not offer free AIDS tests.  If you think you may be at risk for AIDS you should not donate.  (Explain the window period and suggest that they visit their local health or STD clinic for tests).

Why can’t I donate if I fail the copper sulphate (iron) test?  Is there something wrong with me?
The test measures iron levels and if yours is already low a donation could make you anaemic.  This not only leaves you feeling unwell, but you will not be able to donate again for a long time.  The acceptance level is set above normal so that if you fail, it does not mean you are anaemic.  

How often can I donate blood?
By law you may only donate after 56 days.  This is to make sure that you have had time to replace the red cells you donated last time.

I’m almost 16 years of age – why can’t I donate blood?
16 Years of age is the legal age when you can donate blood.  SANBS cannot take your blood until you reach the legal age.

Can I get AIDS from donating blood?
SANBS would never do anything to put you at risk.  The needle is a brand new sterile needle and has a sealed cover. This seal is broken and the needle removed from its cover in front of you.  After using this needle it will be disposed of by incineration.  You cannot get AIDS from donating blood.

I am gay – why am I excluded as a blood donor?  Do I not have a right to be a blood donor?
You are not excluded because of your sexual orientation.  The sexual act, not the sexual orientation, is the source of the potential risk in terms of blood transfusion.  Our criteria is only that you do not donate blood if you have practiced male to male sex in the past 6 months. The 6 month deferral period is the same as it would be for a new hetero-sexual relationship, a tattoo or a piercing.  All of these deferrals are based on preventative measures to minimise potential HIV and/or Hepatitis transmissions.  Although blood is tested, the risk of a “window period” transfusion remains a possibility.  We are one of the most advanced countries in the world when it comes to accepting donations from the gay community.  In the case of blood transfusion, the right of a patient to the safest possible blood has to be balanced against the “right” to be a blood donor.  Blood donors need to qualify to donate blood and SANBS has a number of deferral markers in place to ensure the safety of the blood supply.

What difference does it make that I had an operation recently?  I’m well now, so why can’t I give blood?
SANBS has regulations to abide by with the aim of protecting the wellbeing of the donor.  Although you may feel well, it is not worth taking a chance with your health by giving your blood too soon and slowing your full recovery as a result.  There are various deferral periods depending on the type of operation and the staff at your local blood service will be able to advise you on this deferral period.

I’m on antibiotics but I’m feeling better today.  Why can’t I give blood?
The antibiotics in your blood could affect the patient who receives it.  He/she may be allergic to that particular antibiotic.  Besides if you are on antibiotics, you cannot be in perfect health yourself and taking your blood is not advisable.  You must be off the antibiotics for at least two weeks and feel well before donating blood.

Is blood tested after each donation for HIV?
Yes, the blood is not only tested for HIV but also for Hepatitis and other sexually transmitted diseases using NAT testing. Your blood type is also checked every time.  However, SANBS should not be used for free AIDS tests.  Because of the window period, a patient could be infected.

How soon will I replace the blood I’ve lost?
The fluid or plasma will be replaced within half an hour, when you have had something to drink such as a cup of tea or juice.  The red cells take longer, up to several weeks to be replaced.  Thus the limit of 56 days between donations.

How many pints (or litres) of blood do I have in my body?
Blood volume is dependant on body mass. About 80ml/kg body weight.  
The larger the person, the more the blood volume.  If you weigh 60 kg, you will have 60 x 80 = 4 800 ml blood which is 4,8 litres.

How much blood is taken at one time?
Between 450ml and 480 ml.

How long is blood kept for?
The red cells are stored in the refrigerator (between 1◦ and 6◦) for up to 42 days. The platelets are kept for 5 days at room temperature. The plasma products are processed in many different ways and are then stored, either at room temperature or in a refrigerator, for extended periods of time, up to 5 years.  SANBS is even able to freeze red blood cells in special circumstances, when the blood group is extremely rare.

Which are the rarest and most common blood groups?
The most common group is O Rh-positive and the rarest is AB Rh-negative.  The fact that most donors are the former means that most patients are also group O Rh-positive, so belonging to a common group makes you more valuable as a donor.  In addition group O blood, and particularly group O Rh-negative blood, is known as the universal blood type as it is compatible with all other bood types and is used for emergency transfusions.

Why must we have our finger pricked every time?
Everybody’s iron level/haemoglobin/red cell level varies according to their fitness, diet etc.  Thus SANBS needs to be sure at every donation that you are not short of red cells.  If you were, it would be wrong to take your blood and could cause you to become anaemic.

Why must we fill in a form every time?
You may have had a medical or dental problem since you last gave blood but as you are now well you may have forgotten about it. Filling in the form will be a reminder to you.  People’s lifestyles change and it is necessary to be sure that your blood is safe to give to others and that bleeding you will not be detrimental to your health.  Honesty when answering the forms will ensure your safety and that of the patient.

Can I donate blood if I’ve not recently eaten?
Not eating greatly increases your chance of having a reaction when you donate.  It would, therefore, be most unwise to take your blood.  You should not donate blood unless you’ve had something to eat within the preceding 4 hours.

What happens to used needles?  Is there a chance I can be infected by a used needle when donating blood?
Used needles are carefully placed in a special container and then incinerated.  A new needle is opened in front of the donor each time.  There is absolutely no chance of being infected with any disease when donating blood.

Can exercising before or after donating affect me?
It would be inadvisable to exercise vigorously immediately before or after donating blood.  Although your body is quite able to adjust to the donation, it is best to take a break from vigorous exercise for at least a day afterwards.  Particularly if you are donating for the first time.

Will I lose weight after donating?
No.

Why are blood donors not paid to give blood?
Voluntary blood donation is a worldwide policy and is endorsed by the World Health Organisation.  It ensures that people donate for altruistic reasons and not for personal gain, which would attract the wrong type of person.  The South African Human Tissue Act also does not allow any reward for blood donation.

Will I get “free blood” when I need it?
Any inducement to recruit blood donors, including the possibility of “free blood”, is in contravention of the Human Tissue Act.  Donors must donate for altruistic reasons, with their reward being that they are helping their fellow man.  However, all patient account queries will be referred to SANBS headquarters for consideration where there is a financial need and in the absence of medical insurance.

How long does it take to give blood?
It should not take more than 30 minutes of your time.  Once the actual donation has started, it should take no more than 10 minutes.

Will it hurt?
Your may feel slight discomfort when the needle goes in but once it is comfortably in place, there should be no further discomfort.  Getting over the fear of the needle can be the greatest hurdle but it can save so many lives – so give it a try.  The patients’ need is greater than your fear.

Why can’t you give blood if you weigh less than 50 kg?
The volume of blood is directly proportional to the body.  Therefore a small person will have less blood than a large person.  The donation of 450ml therefore means a far larger percentage of total blood volume to a small person than to a large person.

What’s in donating blood for me?
At every donation you are given a mini-health check i.e. blood pressure, pulse and haemoglobin check.  However, most importantly you have a feeling of goodwill, a wonderful sense of achievement and the knowledge that you have now given somebody a second chance in life.  

If I have to have a blood transfusion, can I get HIV/AIDS?
SANBS recently introduced state of the art testing equipment which minimises the chance of passing on an infected unit of blood.  However, even though the window period has been greatly reduced, there is still a small risk.    Every effort is made by SANBS to ensure the safety of the blood supply which is why we select our donors very carefully as well as run state of the art tests on the blood.

Why do you sell my blood to the patient when I donate it for free?
No charge is made for the blood but SANBS charges a service fee which covers the cost of collecting, testing and processing it.  SANBS would go insolvent if we were not able to cover these costs.  SANBS is self funded and does not receive any subsidy from the Goverment.