Western Province Blood Transfusion Services
REVIEWS
ABOUT US
What we do
The Western Province Blood Transfusion Service is a non-profit, independent organisation operating throughout the Western Cape. We work without prejudice to supply safe blood and blood products to all communities in the region, from Cape Town all the way up to George. It’s our goal to be the benchmark transfusion service in South Africa – and we’re getting there, with the help of our dedicated donors.
We put safety first
Our donors and recipients are our first priority. We use only the latest technology and research to ensure their safety, and to excel in the science of transfusion. Each year we collect more than 165 000 units of safe blood that’s used to impact the lives of more than 495 000 people. Quite a feat, even if we do say so ourselves.
We do it by the book
To show how dedicated we are to being the best, we operate according to strict international standards as set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO). We also comply closely with the government’s Human Tissue Act, and are accredited by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS).
Join us
We host regular clinics and blood drives across the Western Cape and would love to see you there as a potential or regular donor. We uphold the highest professional and ethical standards in order to deliver the best possible service to our communities. Lend a hand – help your community by joining ours.
Our Mission Statement
Western Province Blood Transfusion Service is a community based regional health organisation formed by an association of voluntary blood donors, dedicated to providing the safest blood products and efficient service to the community, while operating at the highest professional and ethical standards and remaining a viable organisation.
Our Vision Statement
To maintain a Blood Transfusion Service that is appropriate to the needs of the South African Community. To be prepared to extend the service to provide for wider regional or national needs and to provide leadership in transfusion practice.
SERVICES
The Blood Service
Each year, the Western Province Blood Transfusion Service collects more than 165 000 units of blood to improve the lives of over 495 000 individuals. In addition to collecting blood, we also test and process all donated blood within accepted standards of practice.
What happens after the blood has been collected?
After you’ve given blood, all donations are delivered to our head office and laboratories in Pinelands for testing and processing. We need to do this as soon as possible after donation to ensure that none of the components are lost.
Sorting and labelling
Once the blood arrives at the laboratory, each unit is weighed, labelled and sorted according to the method of processing it will undergo. Great care is taken to ensure that the labelling on blood packs correlates to all other documentation.
Screening, grouping and separation
The three blood specimens taken from each donor before donation are sent for testing in our laboratories. They are tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and Syphilis. The blood group of the donor is then established and in the case of a new donor, the grouping is verified by a second test.