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 (also know as apheresis donations) are used to make different blood products, which help unborn babies, burns victims and people with cancer, leukaemia and other serious illnesses.

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? - register to make an appointment 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.

By giving where it’s needed most, 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 register your interest online.