AFTER numerous questions from blood donors, SANBS recently released a statement to address any possible concerns or queries with regard to blood donation and COVID-19.
“SANBS is finding it very difficult to achieve targets at the moment, which might be as a result of misinformation or uncertainty among donors and potential donors,” said Maryke Harris, donor relations practitioner for SANBS PE East Branch.
Can you donate blood after having COVID or been exposed?
Yes, provided you feel 100% well and in good health on the day of donation, with the following minimum waiting periods prescribed:
- Severe illness with hospitalisation – 28 days waiting period.
- Mild illness without hospitalisation – 14 days from last symptoms.
- No symptoms – 14 days from date of positive test result.
- Close or direct contact with a confirmed positive person – 14 days.
- Any flu-like symptoms – 14 days from complete clearance of symptoms.
- Awaiting COVID test result – no waiting period if negative and if positive, as per above, depending on severity of symptoms.
Can you donate blood after having the COVID vaccine?
Yes, you can, with no waiting period required. If you do have flu-like symptom side effects from the vaccine, the waiting period is 14 days after your symptoms have cleared.
Can you choose NOT to receive blood from a donor who was vaccinated for COVID-19?
In order to receive a blood transfusion, informed consent must always be given, and this has not changed.
SANBS does not require a donor to declare their vaccination status, since it has no significance to patient safety, nor would it impact the clinical outcome. Considering a patient’s preference with regard to donor lifestyle is not viable or practical.
SANBS only focuses on blood safety and optimal patient outcomes.
Donors differ in race, age, gender, diets, fitness levels, smokers versus non-smokers, those who take the annual flu shot versus those who don’t and the list goes on. Having enough blood based on blood groups and antibodies, is already challenging, so by adding any additional criteria would be counterproductive in saving lives.
Blood is red and has the potential to save lives and as SANBS, we are trusted to save lives which forms the cornerstone of how we operate.
Receiving blood from a vaccinated donor or from a person who has COVID antibodies, from being infected before, has no significant impact on the recipient. COVID cannot be transmitted through a blood transfusion.
Why should donors inform SANBS if they test positive for COVID shortly after donating blood?
Even though COVID cannot be transmitted through a blood transfusion, informing SANBS of your positive result assists in contact tracing, to inform other donors and staff who were at that particular blood drive on the day, about your result (anonymously, of course).
It is a courtesy action undertaken by SANBS where appropriate.
Are you able to donate blood if you take Ivermectin?
Yes, you are. Previously, SANBS did not allow it, but based on scientific evidence, the decision was overturned to allow people taking Ivermectin to donate blood. There is no evidence to suggest this is harmful in any way to the recipient of that unit of blood.
Where can we find out more?
Visit www.sanbs.org.za or follow SANBS on Facebook and post your questions and comments.
– ISSUED BY SOUTH AFRICAN
NATIONAL BLOOD SERVICE
