Previously donors who wrote examinations were not able to donate blood within seven days of writing the examination paper. This however, has now changed.
The Western Province Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS) have decided to shorten the examination deferral time to two days (48 hours) preceding an exam. Learners and students will therefore be able to donate blood up until two days before writing an exam.
This well-considered decision followed research into the validity of a seven-day exam deferral period in terms of iron depletion and intellectual performance, as well as best practice of national and international blood services.
Please be assured that the safety and well-being of blood donors remain of utmost importance to WPBTS.
If you have any queries regarding the change in the examination deferral period, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@wpbts.org.za or 021 507 6300.