SA's blood stocks just fell to 3.9 days. Here's who can donate

South Africa's national blood supply has dropped to 3.9 days' cover, below the five-day minimum the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) tries to keep, the blood service said on 23 October 2026 ([Quicknews](QN)). Some regions are under three days ([TimesLIVE](TL)).

SANBS is asking regular, lapsed and first-time donors to give blood now, before the festive season ([Quicknews](QN)).

How bad is the shortage?

SANBS needs about 3,500 units of blood a day to meet patient demand, and collections are falling short ([TimesLIVE](TL)). Stocks were at 4.2 days in mid-October, so the buffer has kept shrinking ([OFM](OFM)).

The five-day level is what SANBS aims for so hospitals can get blood when patients need it ([Northern Natal News](NN)). A unit of donated blood lasts only 42 days, which is why regular donations matter ([SANBS](SEP)).

"The current blood supply is under significant pressure," said Monique Schreiner, SANBS senior manager for donor relations ([Quicknews](QN)).

Why is blood running low now?

Back in September, SANBS blamed fewer blood drives at schools and universities during exams, plus competing demands on donors' time ([SANBS](SEP)). Matric exams are under way now (The Citizen).

The festive season adds to the worry because demand for blood stays high over that period ([Quicknews](QN)).

Which blood groups are needed most?

All groups are needed. Group O matters most in emergencies, when doctors may not have time to test a patient's blood group before a transfusion ([Quicknews](QN)). O negative is the universal type used in emergencies, and SANBS has also asked group B donors who are due to come in ([SANBS](SEP)).

Who can donate blood?

SANBS lists these minimum requirements ([SANBS](WHO)):

• Aged 16 to 75 for first-time donors
• Weigh at least 50kg (55kg for platelets)
• In good health and living a low-risk lifestyle
• Ate a meal less than four hours before donating
• No whole blood donation in the last 56 days, or platelets or plasma in the last 14 days
• Pulse between 60 and 100 beats a minute
• Blood pressure between 100 and 180 systolic and 60 and 100 diastolic
• Haemoglobin of at least 12.0 g/dl for women and 13.0 g/dl for men

You should not donate if you are HIV positive, think you may have been exposed to HIV, want to donate only to get an HIV test, or are being treated for a sexually transmitted infection ([SANBS](WHO)). SANBS has an online eligibility quiz if you are unsure.

What happens when you donate?

You fill in a questionnaire, have a one-on-one interview with staff, and get your blood pressure, pulse and haemoglobin checked. If you qualify, you give about 450ml of whole blood ([SANBS](PROC)). Needles are sterile and used once.

The donation itself takes about 30 minutes, and one unit can help up to three patients ([SANBS](SEP)). SANBS advises sitting for 15 to 20 minutes afterwards ([SANBS](PROC)). You can give whole blood again after 56 days ([SANBS](PROC)).

Where can you donate?

SANBS runs more than 60 fixed donor centres and over 100 mobile collection sites a day ([SANBS](SEP)). Find the nearest one on its [donor centres page](CEN) or call the toll-free line on 0800 11 90 31 ([Quicknews](QN)).

In the Western Cape, blood is collected by the separate [Western Cape Blood Service](WC), not SANBS ([SANBS](SEP)).

Businesses, churches and community groups can also offer a public venue for a blood drive ([Northern Natal News](NN)).