Blood Products and Services Information

WCBS provides a variety of blood products and clinical services related to specialised patient needs. These include designated donations, therapeutic phlebotomy, emergency blood supply, programmes for neonates, and support for research requiring non-clinical blood use.

Designated donations allow patients to receive blood from family or friends with compatible blood groups. This is often used for elective surgery or chronic transfusion needs. All designated donors must meet standard eligibility requirements, and the request must come from the patient’s clinician.

For platelet-specific needs, HLA-matched designated donations may be required. WCBS works with the South African Bone Marrow Registry to identify suitable donors when platelet antibodies prevent normal platelet transfusions from working effectively.

Designated donations from first- or second-degree relatives must be irradiated to reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease.

Women of childbearing age should not receive blood from a male spouse or his relatives due to potential future pregnancy complications.

Download clinician’s request for specialised donations for red cell and plasma designated donations.

Download patient’s consent for specialised donations for red cell and plasma designated donations.

For red cell and plasma designated donation enquiries, please contact Sr Tania Paarman, Manager – Specialised Donations.

Sr Tania Paarman: Telephone +27 (0)21 507 6393 | Email Tania@wcbs.org.za

For HLA-matched platelet designated donation enquiries, please contact Kay Abrahams, Manager – Apheresis Donations.

Kay Abrahams: Telephone +27 (0)21 507 6395 | Email Kay@wcbs.org.za

Therapeutic phlebotomy is a medically prescribed procedure where a patient donates blood to help manage a condition that causes high iron levels or excessive red blood cell production.

Common reasons for therapeutic phlebotomy include:

• Hereditary haemochromatosis
• Secondary polycythaemia (often due to smoking or testosterone use)
• Polycythaemia vera
• Certain rare blood disorders

In many cases, the donated blood can still be used for transfusion — provided the donor meets standard WCBS criteria and the underlying condition is not a primary polycythaemia.

Some patients may need to donate more frequently than regular donors or may not meet standard criteria. In these cases, a formal referral from a clinician is required. WCBS will review the referral to ensure it is safe for both donor and potential recipients.

Please note:
• The first therapeutic phlebotomy is always usually discarded for safety reasons.
• A fee applies unless the patient is already an active WCBS or SANBS donor.
• Donors aged 75+ require ongoing doctor approval to continue. WCBS does not accept first-time donors (therapeutic or regular donors) over the age of 75 years.

Download registration forms:

For therapeutic phlebotomy enquiries, please contact Specialised Donations.

Telephone +27 (0)21 507 6320/6397/6393 | Email phlebotomy@wcbs.org.za

WCBS supports more than 100 emergency blood banks across the Western Cape. These banks store O RhD-negative and O RhD-positive blood for use when there is no time to wait for crossmatched blood.

Key guidelines:

• O-negative blood is extremely scarce and must be used responsibly.
• It should be reserved primarily for RhD-negative patients, especially women of childbearing age.
• If a patient’s RhD status is unknown, a quick RhD slide test (15–60 seconds) should be performed.
• No more than 4 units of emergency O blood should be given unless absolutely necessary.
• If an RhD-negative patient receives RhD-positive blood, anti-D immunoglobulin should can be given.

Emergency stocks are replenished as soon as possible or roughly every three weeks if unused.

For emergency blood enquiries please contact Nawaal Gamieldien, WCBS Emergency Blood Bank Co-ordinator.

Nawaal Gamieldien: Telephone +27 (0)21 507 6476 | Cell +27 (0)83 564 9297 | Email Nawaal@wcbs.org.za

Red cell components are useful for their iron-rich stores and oxygen-carrying capacity. Red cell transfusions are indicated for a wide range of medical and surgical conditions resulting in acute or chronic anaemia.

Buffy-coat Depleted Red Cell Concentrate

Volume: 250 ml to 350 ml
Haematocrit: 0.5 l/l to 0.7 l/l
Leucocyte count: ≤2.4 x 109/unit
Anticoagulant: CPD
Additive solution: SAGM
Storage temperature: 2 °C to 6 °C
Shelf life: 42 days

Pre-storage Leucocyte Depleted Red Cell Concentrate

Volume: 210 ml to 310 ml
Haematocrit: 0.5 l/l to 0.7 l/l
Leucocyte count: <1 x 106/unit
Anticoagulant: CPD
Additive solution: SAGM
Storage temperature: 2 °C to 6 °C
Shelf life: 42 days

Leucocyte Depleted Red Cell Concentrate (filtered in the Blood Bank)

Volume: 210 ml to 310 ml
Haematocrit: 0.5 l/l to 0.7 l/l
Leucocyte count: ≤5 x 106/unit
Anticoagulant: CPD
Additive solution: SAGM
Storage temperature: 2 °C to 6 °C
Shelf life: 24 hours

Washed Leucocyte Depleted Red Cell Concentrate in Albumin/Saline Additive

Volume: 320ml to 420ml
Haematocrit: n/a
Anticoagulant: CPD
Additive solution: n/a
Washing solution: Sodium Chloride BP 0.9%
Additional solution: 20% Albumin plus BP 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Storage temperature: 2 °C to 6 °C
Shelf life: 24 hours after processing

Whole blood products are rarely indicated for use in massive haemorrhage and neonatal exchange transfusions. Red cell components are more appropriate for use in situations where oxygen-carrying capacity requires boosting.

Whole Blood

Volume: 468 ml to 558 ml
Anticoagulant: CPD
Storage temperature: 2 °C to 6 °C
Shelf life: 21 days

Whole Blood Leucocyte Depleted

Volume: 425 ml to 525 ml
Leucocyte count: ≤ 5 x 106/unit
Anticoagulant: CPD
Storage temperature: 2 °C to 6 °C
Shelf life: 24 hours if prepared in the Blood Bank and 21 days if prepared in Components Processing

All infant and paediatric blood products are leucocyte-depleted to reduce the risk of alloimmunisation, immune-mediated adverse transfusion reactions and disease transmission.

Infant Red Cell Concentrate

Volume: 35 ml to 75 ml
Haematocrit: 0.5 l/l to 0.7 l/l
Anticoagulant: CPD
Additive solution: SAGM
Storage temperature: 2 °C to 6 °C
Shelf life: 42 days

Paediatric Red Cell Concentrate

Volume: 90 ml to 150 ml
Haematocrit: 0.5 l/l to 0.7 l/l
Anticoagulant: CPD
Additive solution: SAGM
Storage temperature: 2 °C to 6 °C
Shelf life: 42 days

Haemoconcentrate

Product code: LEURHL
Volume: n/a
Haematocrit: ≥ 80 %
Red cell recovery: ± 80 %
White cell removal: > 95 %
Red cell concentrate: ≤ 72 hours
Anticoagulant: CPD
Additive solution: SAGM
Storage temperature: 2 °C to 6 °C
Shelf life: 24 hours after processing

Washed Pre-storage Leucocyte Depleted Red Cell Concentrate

Product code: LRWRBC
Volume: > 185 ml
Haematocrit: 0.5 l/l to 0.7 l/l
Total protein content: < 5 mg/unit
Anticoagulant: CPD
Additive solution: SAGM
Washing solution: Sodium chloride solution B.P. 0,9 %
Storage temperature: 2 °C to 10 °C
Shelf life: 24 hours

Paediatric Single Donor Platelet

Volume: 100 ml to 200 ml
Platelet count: ≥ 1.0 to 2.3 x 1011/l
Anticoagulant: ACD-A
Storage temperature: 20 °C to 24 °C
Shelf life: 5 days

Infant Single Donor Platelet

Volume: 40 ml to 60 ml
Platelet count: 0.5 to 0.9 x 1011/l
Anticoagulant: ACD-A
Storage temperature: 20 °C to 24 °C
Shelf life: 5 days

Paediatric Fresh Frozen Plasma

Volume: 100 ml to 160 ml
FVIII: C ≥0.7 IU/ml
Anticoagulant: CPD
Storage temperature: Below minus 18 °C
Shelf life: 6 hours after removal from storage

Paediatric Fresh Frozen Plasma Leucocyte Depleted

Volume: 100 ml to 160 ml
Anticoagulant: CPD
Storage temperature: ≤24 °C
Shelf life: 6 hours after removal from storage

Fresh Frozen Plasma Low Titre Anti-T

Volume: 210 ml to 350 ml
FVIII:C: ≥0.7 IU/ml
Anticoagulant: CPD
Storage temperature: Below minus 18 °C
Shelf life: 6 hours after removal from storage

Cryoprecipitate Low Titre Anti-T

Volume: 9 ml to 11 ml
FVIII:C: ≥80 IU/unit
Fibrinogen: ≥12 mg/ml
Anticoagulant: CPD
Storage temperature: Below minus 18 °C
Shelf life: 4 hours after removal from storage

Paediatric Whole Blood

Volume: 140 ml to 200 ml
Anticoagulant: CPD
Storage temperature: 2 °C to 6 °C
Shelf life: 21 days

Platelets are responsible for cessation of bleeding at the sites of endothelial injury. Platelet transfusions are indicated for the prevention or management of active bleeding as a result of reduced platelet numbers (thrombocytopenia) or abnormalities of platelet function. The three different products currently available are pooled platelets, leucocyte reduced (filtered) platelets, and single donor (apheresis) platelets. All three platelet products are regarded as equivalent in terms of post-transfusion increments and haemostatic efficacy. The pooled products carry a higher risk of alloimmunisation (i.e. antibody formation to donor platelet antigens), and therefore single donor or leucocyte reduced (filtered) pooled platelet products are recommended for patients with chronic transfusion needs (e.g. those with haematological malignancies or undergoing stem-cell transplants). Studies have shown that a leucocyte poor platelet pool is equivalent in terms of platelet alloimmunisation compared to a single donor (apheresis) platelet.

Leucocyte Depleted Pooled Random Donor Platelet

Volume: ≥ 200 ml
Platelet count:  ≥ 2.4 x 1011/unit
Leucocyte count: ≤ 5 x 106/unit
Anticoagulant: CPD
Storage temperature: 20 ºC to 24 ºC
Shelf life: 5 days if filtered in the Processing Laboratory. 6 hours if filtered in the Blood Bank Laboratory.

Pooled Random Donor Platelet

Volume: ≥ 200 ml
Number of donations in the pool: ≥4
Platelet count (for a pool of ≥4 units): ≥ 2.4 x 1011/unit
pH (within 24 hours of expiry): ≥ 6.4 at 22 ºC to 24 ºC
Anticoagulant: CPD
Storage temperature: 20 ºC to 24 ºC
Shelf life: 5 days

Single Donor Platelet

Volume: ≥ 200 ml
Platelet count: ≥ 2.4 x 1011/unit
Leucocyte count: ≤ 5 x 106/unit
Anticoagulant: ACD-A
Storage temperature: 20 ºC to 24 ºC
Shelf life: 5 days

Plasma products are derived by the centrifugation of anticoagulated whole blood within 18 hours of donation. These products are typically prescribed for the replacement of coagulation proteins (or clotting factors). Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) contains all the clotting factors at normal physiological levels and can be leucocyte-depleted to reduce the risk of immune-mediated adverse transfusion reactions. Cryoprecipitate is formed by the thawing of FFP and precipitation of the product that is rich in Factor VIII, Factor XIII and fibrinogen.

Fresh Frozen Plasma

Volume: 210 ml to 350 ml
FVIII:C: ≥0.7 IU/ml
Anticoagulant: CPD
Storage temperature: Below minus 18 ºC
Shelf life: 6 hours after removal from storage

Leucocyte Depleted Fresh Frozen Plasma

Volume: 210 ml to 350 ml
Anticoagulant: CPD
Storage temperature: ≤ 24 ºC
Shelf life: 6 hours from time of removal from storage

Cryo Poor Fresh Frozen Plasma (Cryosupernatant)

Volume: 200 ml to 340 ml
Anticoagulant: CPD
Storage temperature: Below minus 18 ºC
Shelf life: 6 hours after removal from storage

Cryoprecipitate (Pooled)

Volume: ±50ml
FVIII:C: ≥80 IU/unit in the pool
Fibrinogen: ≥12 mg/ml per unit in the pool
Anticoagulant: CPD
Storage temperature: Minus 18 ºC or below
Shelf life: 4 hours after removal from storage

WCBS provide irradiated blood products, on request from the clinician.

Blood irradiation results in the eradication of donor T-lymphocytes in the blood product, for the purpose of prevention of transfusion associated graft versus host disease. For more information about the indications and benefits of blood irradiation, please refer to the Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Blood and Blood Products in South Africa, 6th Edition.

Please note that there is an additional cost for the irradiation procedure.

Blood irradiation is performed at the Groote Schuur Blood Bank and Tygerberg Blood Bank,  thus, timeous ordering is required.

For more information, contact your closest Blood Bank.

Babies who need multiple red cell transfusions benefit from receiving blood from as few donors as possible. Through the LDEP, clinicians can reserve 2–4 units of red cell concentrates from the same donor.

Benefits:

• Reduced donor exposure
• Lower risk of immune reactions
• Safer transfusion outcomes for vulnerable infants

Clinicians must indicate “LDEP” on the crossmatch request. If no quantity is specified, WCBS reserves two units by default.
Some neonates may not qualify, especially those with irregular antibodies. These cases are assessed individually with WCBS staff.

For more information, contact your closest Blood Bank.

WCBS sometimes provides blood products for research, teaching, diagnostic development, or laboratory testing — but never patient samples.

These non-clinical products include:

• Blood reactive for transmissible infections (e.g., HIV+, hepatitis B+)
• Buffy coats (rich in white cells and platelets)
• Expired products
• Underweight blood packs
• Donor diversion samples
• Samples collected specifically for a research project

All samples are anonymised and must undergo full donation testing before release.

Request requirements:

• Official letterhead
• Researcher’s contact details
• Ethics approval reference
• Type and quantity of product
• Purpose of the request
• Safe disposal plan

Annual renewals and ethics updates are required.

For more information, contact Hayley Alie, Hospital Liaison Officer (hayleya@wcbs.org.za)

The below turnaround times (TATs) exclude transportation. If you wish to discuss the TATs, kindly contact your nearest Blood Bank.

Services Turnaround Times
STAT Crossmatch 20 – 30  minutes
Full Crossmatch 2 hours
Routine Crossmatch 2 hours or for when required
Group and Screen 2 hours
Red Cell Products with Repeat Electronic Crossmatch 10 minutes if repeat order
Crossmatch with Positive Antibody Screen 2 hours to 7 days depending on complexity of the antibody
Red Cell Products 2 hours
Washed Red Cell Products 6 – 9 hours
Haemoconcentrate Notify the day before by 13:00 (24 -36 hours) – not  available on Mondays
Single Donor Platelets 3 – 11 hours depending on if there are emergency platelets available or if it has to be bled
Random Donor Platelets 2 hours
Fresh Frozen Plasma 2 hours ( 30 minutes if a repeat order)
Antibody Titration 2 hours
Cryoprecipitate 2 hours (30 minutes if a repeat order)
Irradiation of Blood Products 2 hours depending on products
Group O Emergency Blood Stock Replenishment 10 minutes
Designated Donation Blood Products 2 days
Direct Coombs 2 hours
Coombs Auto 2 hours
Crypt Antigen Test 2 hours
Anti-T Titration 2 hours
Cord & Maternal (includes NaOH test) 2 hours
Blood request for peripheral stem cell transplant recipient 3 days, with the exception of HLA-matched platelets

To ensure accurate testing, all Blood Bank samples must follow strict guidelines.

  1. Use a 6ml EDTA sample tube (4ml acceptable only in emergencies).
  2. Do not draw from an IV drip site.
  3. Verify the patient’s identity verbally before drawing.
  4. Label the sample at the bedside before collection.
  5. Include: full name, hospital number, and ID/DoB if needed.
  6. Store at 2–6°C if not sent immediately (max 24 hours).
  7. Transport in a leak-proof container and keep the form separate.
  8. Ensure the clinician’s MP number and diagnosis appear on the form.  INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENT SAMPLES

Samples will be rejected if:

  • There is no patient identification.
  • Details on sample and form don’t match.
  • Incorrect or expired tubes are used.
  • Collection date, time, or signature is missing.
  • Volume is insufficient.

The following information is required on the request form for billing purposes:

  • Medical aid name and number (if applicable)
  • Patient details, address and contact numbers (landline and cell phone)
  • Patient email address
  • Doctor’s name and practice number

Drivers and Porters

All personnel involved in transportation may influence laboratory activities and must comply with the laboratory management system in accordance with ISO 15189.

Responsibilities

  • Handle safely and ethically
  • Maintain patient confidentiality
  • Follow instructions and procedures
  • Report delays, damage, spills, or temperature deviations immediately

Patient Sample Transportation

  • Transport within 24 hours
  • Store at 2–10 °C, if transport is delayed
  • Hand to Blood Bank staff, to check compliance
  • If rejected, return to ward with a ‘Sample Rejection’ form

Blood & Blood Product Collection

  • Present patient identification details
  • Incorrect patient details, complete ‘Request’ form and contact the ward
  • Check – issue document, product label, and collection slip
  • Sign issue document

Transport Temperatures

  • Red Blood Cells (RBC): 2–10 °C, in closed hamper, with ice bricks (provided by Blood Bank)
  • Platelets, thawed FFP, Cryoprecipitate: 20–24 °C
  • Frozen products: –18 °C
  • Return blood within 24hrs, if unused

Equipment & Emergencies

  • Hamper must be returned promptly, to Blood Bank
  • In case of disaster – follow the site-specific instructions communicated