The South African National Blood Service has appealed to eligible donors to come forward as national blood stocks come under pressure.
SANBS says it needs to collect about 3,500 units a day to meet demand from hospitals, but current collections are below that target.
The service aims to maintain a five-day supply. Its public low-stock information warns that severe shortages can affect patients who depend on transfusions, including people undergoing surgery, mothers experiencing haemorrhage, newborn babies and accident victims.
SANBS is particularly encouraging eligible O and B blood-group donors who are due to donate to visit a donation site. Donations from all eligible blood groups remain important because hospitals require compatible blood products for different patients.
Blood products have limited shelf lives, which means the national supply depends on regular donations rather than occasional large collections.
Prospective donors must meet health and eligibility requirements and are screened before donating. Appointment and donor-centre information is available through SANBS.
The organisation also works with schools, businesses, community groups and other institutions to organise blood drives.
SANBS supplies blood to public and private hospitals in eight provinces. The Western Cape is served separately by the Western Cape Blood Service.
