Three types of blood donation

Whole blood donation

• Whole blood donation includes collecting the three blood components mentioned below (red cells, plasma and platelets).
• O negative donors are always needed for whole blood donations. O negative is the only blood type that be safely given to everyone – whatever their blood type, so they are known as ‘universal donors’.
• Whole blood 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 aged between 16-70 years old (in some states 16 & 17 years olds require parental consent)
  - weigh more than 45kg (50kg if aged 16 or 17)

Plasma donation

• Plasma donation involves donating a concentrated collection of plasma only
• Blood type A, AB and B donors are particularly needed for plasma donations.
• Your red cells are returned to you when you donate plasma so you're able to donate every 2 weeks.
• To become a plasma donor you must:
  - be aged 18-65 years old for males or 20-65 years old for females; you can continue to donate up to 80 years old with the approval of your GP
  - weigh 50kg or more
  - have given at least one successful whole blood donation in the past 2 years.
• Take a look at our plasma brochure for more information

Platelet donation

• Platelet donation involves donating a concentrated collection of platelets only
• Blood type A and O donors are particularly needed for platelet donations
• You can donate every 2-4 weeks as platelets are replaced within a few days of donation.
• To become a platelet donor you must:
  - be aged 18-65 years old for males or 20-65 years old for females; you can continue to donate up to 80 years old with the approval of your GP
  - weigh 50kg or more
  - have given at least one successful whole blood donation in the past 2 years.
• Take a look at our platelet brochure for more information

Blood components

Our blood is made up of several components and each one has a special function.

Red Blood Cells
What are red cells?

• Red cells give blood its colour and accounts for up to 40% of its volume.
• The main function of these cells is to carry oxygen from the lungs to all the cells of the body and remove waste products such as carbon dioxide.
• Red cells have a shelf life of up to 42 days, stored in refrigeration.

Who do they help?
Transfusions of red blood cells are used to treat people:

• with severe anaemia (such as Thalassaemia Major);
• whose red blood cells do not function adequately; and
• who experience severe bleeding, such as accident victims and patients undergoing surgery.

Plasma
What is plasma?

• It is the straw coloured fluid in which the red cells, white cells and platelets are suspended.
• It contains very important nutrients and clotting factors which help to prevent or stop bleeding.
• An average adult has approximately five litres of blood, three litres of which is plasma and 17 different products can be made from plasma donations
• Plasma is stored frozen and has a shelf life of up to 12 months

Who does it help?
It is the most versatile component of blood as it can be processed into a variety of products and each product can be used to treat a number of potentially life-threatening conditions including burns, creating immunisations and helping haemophiliacs.

What is involved in donating plasma?

• Plasma donations are made through a process called apheresis.
• A collection of plasma takes approximately 40 mins and up to 750mL is collected in one donation, depending on your height and weight.
• Your red cells are returned to you when you donate plasma so you're able to donate every 2 weeks.

Other conditions may also affect your suitability to donate plasma. If you are interested in becoming a plasma donor ask one of our nursing staff to see if you are eligible.

Platelets
What are platelets?

• Platelets assist in the blood clotting process.
• They are literally tiny plates that wedge together covering tears in the blood vessels and preventing blood from leaking into surrounding tissue.
• Platelets are stored at room temperature and have a shelf life of only five days. This is why it is vital to have a constant flow of blood donations coming in.

Who does it help?
Platelets are used primarily in the treatment of people with various cancers. Diseases such as leukaemia and medical treatments like chemotherapy can decrease a person's platelet count. If the number of platelets becomes too low spontaneous bleeding can occur. Even a small amount of bleeding can be dangerous, particularly if it occurs in the brain.

What is involved in donating platelets?

• Platelet donations are made through a process called apheresis.
• You can donate every 2-4 weeks as platelets are replaced within a few days of donation.
• The process can take about an hour and a half. You can sit back in comfort through the process and read a book or just relax.

Other conditions may also affect your suitability to donate platelets. If you are interested in becoming a platelet donor ask one of our nursing staff to see if you are eligible.

Interested in donating blood?

• For full details on our eligibility criteria check our FAQs for more information.
• If you would like to make an appointment or find out more about where your blood is needed most, call 13 14 95 or book online. 
• Find your nearest donor centre.