- Australia has one of the safest blood supply systems in the world.
- You can donate whole blood every 12 weeks.
- O negative blood is universal and can be given to anyone.
- Plasma and platelet donations can be made every 2 weeks.
- Every whole blood donation can save 3 lives.
- 1 in 3 people will need blood. Only 1 in 30 gives blood.
- Australia needs over 27,000 blood donations every week.
- 470mL of blood is collected when you give whole blood.
- Within 24-48 hours of giving blood, your blood volume is completely restored.
- Giving blood only takes about an hour.
- Plasma donations can be used to make 17 different products.
- Red blood cells have a shelf life of 42 days.
- 34% of donated blood goes towards helping cancer patients.
- You can start giving blood at 16.
- The blood service has been collecting blood for over 80 years.
- Many donor centres have a courtesy bus.
- You can donate double platelets – helping twice as many people.
- Platelets have a shelf life of only 5 days.
Plasma Fractionation Review
Review of Australia's plasma fractionation arrangements
The former Minister for Health and Ageing, Tony Abbott, announced on 30 March 2007 "that the processing of Australian blood for plasma products will remain in Australia."
The Blood Service welcomed the Australian Government's decision and the support of the State and Territory governments on this issue, as well as Mr Abbott's continuing commitment to self-sufficiency in the blood supply.
The Blood Service position has always been that Australia has one of the safest blood supply systems in the world and there appeared to be no good reason to change the fundamentals of a system that is not broken.
Background
In March 2006, the Australian Government announced a review of Australia's plasma fractionation arrangements as part of its commitments under the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement. The review, which was led by a committee chaired by Philip Flood, AO, reported to the Minister for Health and Ageing in December 2006.
The Blood Service submission to the review was provided in April 2006. Subsequently, the Blood Service has provided additional extensive information about plasma collections, demand for, and the use of plasma products and the operations of the organisation to the Steering Committee.
The Blood Service submission to the plasma fractionation review (April 2006)
Submission to the Plasma Fractionation Review Apr06.pdf (438k)
The report of the review of Australia's plasma fractionation arrangements was released by the former Minister for Health and Ageing, Tony Abbott, on 15 December 2006.
Amongst other things, it recommended that:
- Federal, State and Territory Ministers note that overseas fractionation of Australian plasma is "not an advantageous option for Australia";
- the Blood Service be provided with additional funding for a campaign to encourage more people to become donors;
- the Blood Service be provided with additional funding for enhanced marketing and customer services strategies, particularly for young people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
Report of the review of Australia's plasma fractionation arrangements (December 2006)
Review of Australia's plasma fractionation arrangements Dec06.pdf (1161k)