- 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.
Research Focus
Donor and Community Research
Senior Research Fellow - Dr Geoff Smith
This is a targeted research program aimed at examining donor retention, recruitment, motivation and community attitudes toward the donation of whole blood, platelets and plasma. The aim is to provide research outcomes that will contribute to marketing campaigns, organisational policies and broader public health issues as well as to the overall safety and wellbeing of Blood Service donors. Projects within this research program are also aimed at promoting an appropriate increase in donations.
Applied and Developmental Research
Research Program Leader - Dr Denese Marks
In line with the Blood Service Mission of providing a safe, secure and cost effective supply of quality blood products, Applied and Developmental Research is aimed at evaluating novel technologies that have the potential to improve blood product quality and safety, operational efficiency and donor wellbeing. Research teams work closely with aligned Blood Service Divisions and other leaders in transfusion technology and research.
Transfusion Science Research
Research Program Leader - Prof. Robert Flower
The aim of this research program is to generate knowledge, utilising cutting edge research, which can be translated into improved operational procedures or changes in clinical practice. Research areas include but are not restricted to the science of red blood cells, transfusion immunobiology and molecular diagnostics.
Clinical Research
Research Program Leaders - Dr Hugh Capper and Dr Erica Wood
The Blood Service is increasing its activities in clinical research focusing on the safety, efficacy and appropriate use of blood products through direct participation or collaboration in human clinical trials. In addition, patient and donor registries that track transfusion outcomes resulting from the use of Blood Service products are being developed to inform current and future transfusion practices.