SANBS, Soweto

Blood transfusion is the transfer of blood or blood components from one person one person (the donor) into the blood stream of another person (the recipient). Blood transfusion may be done as a lifesaving manoeuvre to replace blood cells or blood products lost through bleeding or due to depression of the bone marrow. Blood is a vital healthcare resource used in a broad range of hospital procedures, viz. accidents, emergency obstetric services and other surgeries. Blood transfusion services are vital to maternal health because haemorrhage and anaemia are major causes of maternal death.