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Three types of blood donation

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There are 3 types of blood donation you can make

Whole blood donation

  • This involves collecting 3 blood components (red cells, plasma and platelets).
  • O negative donors are always needed for whole blood donations. It is the only blood type that be safely given to everyone – whatever their blood type, so they are known as ‘universal donors’.
  • Donations can be made every 12 weeks

Most people are able to donate whole blood if they:

  • are fit, healthy and not suffering from a cold, flu or other illness at the time of donation
  • are between 16-70 years old (in some states 16 & 17 years olds require parental consent)
  • weigh more than 45kg

Plasma donation

  • Plasma donations involve donating a concentrated collection of plasma only through a process called apheresis.
  • It takes about 45 minutes, though please allow 1.5 hours for the whole process from interview to refreshments.
  • You can donate every 2 weeks as your red cells are returned to you when you donate
  • Blood type A, AB and B donors are particularly needed for plasma donations.

To become a plasma donor you must:

  • have given at least 1 successful whole blood donation in the past 2 years.
  • be between 18-65 years old (men); between 20-65 years old (women).
  • weigh 50kg or more

 pdf Take a look at our plasma brochure for more information (1.6 MB)

Platelet donation

  • Platelet donation involves donating a concentrated collection of platelets only through a process called apheresis.
  • You can donate every 2-4 weeks as platelets are replaced within a few days of donation. 
  • Blood type A and O donors are particularly needed for platelet donation.

To become a platelet donor you must:

  • have given at least 1 successful whole blood donation in the past 2 years
  • be between 18-65 years old (men); 20-65 years old (women).
  • weigh 50kg or more

 pdf Take a look at our platelet brochure for more information (1.1 MB)

Interested in donating?