- 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.
Different donation types
What donation type should you make?
Several kinds of blood donation are needed to keep the blood supply strong. Whole blood donations, as well as plasma and platelet donations are used to make different blood products, which help unborn babies, burns victims and people with cancer, leukaemia and other serious illnesses.
Give where it’s needed most
Your blood type helps determine which type of donation is the best use of your blood
- Blood type O - usually best for whole blood donations, particularly O negative which can be given to anyone. O positive plasma and platelets are also in high demand
- Blood type B - one of the rarest blood types and donors are always needed, particularly for plasma donations.
- Blood type A - whole blood donations can help other type As and type ABs. Type A negative donations are in high demand for red cells and A positive donations are important for plasma and platelets.
- Blood type AB - the rarest blood type however AB plasma can help people with any blood type so plasma donations of this blood type are always in demand.
- Don’t know your blood type? - book an appointment to donate at your nearest donor centre or call 13 14 95. After you’ve donated and your blood has been tested, you’ll receive a donor card which has your blood group on it
Find out more about the different blood types.
Ask how your blood type is able to help more people
By giving the right type for your type, you’ll save more lives. So at your next appointment, tell a staff member what blood type you are and ask whether you should donate whole blood, plasma or platelets. (Please note that in order to donate plasma or platelets you will need to have made one successful whole blood donation within the past two years.)
If you would like to make an appointment call 13 14 95 or book online.