Transfusion of Blood
This is Adem receiving a transfusion of whole blood at Nambour Hospital. Adem received two bags of whole blood at a time, which took between 5 – 6 hours.
Hamish's Story
Our boy Hamish would not be with us today if it wasn’t for the many lifesaving blood transfusions he received as a newborn…. Hamish is one of the many recipients who is living testament of the importance of blood donation.
Blood
What is it?
Blood collected straight from a donor, without anything taken out. After it’s donated the blood is separated into red cells, plasma and platelets.
Who can donate?
You need to be 18-75 years old, weigh 50kg or more and be fit and healthy.
Used for:
Cancer, blood diseases, anaemia, heart disease, stomach disease, kidney disease, childbirth, operations, blood loss, trauma, burns.
Lasts for:
Red cells can be stored for 42 days.
How long does a donation take?
15 minutes to donate, 45 minutes for the appointment.
How often can I donate?
Every 12 weeks.
Plasma
What is it?
Your blood is 55% Plasma. It’s the straw-coloured liquid that carries your red and white blood cells and platelets.
Who can donate:
You can donate if you are 18- 75 years old, weigh at least 50 kg and are fit and healthy. Other criteria apply so call Australian Red Cross Lifeblood on 13 14 95 for more info.
Used for:
Your plasma can be used in 18 different life-giving ways, from treating serious burns and cancer to protecting people with brain and nerve diseases. It’s always being developed to help in many ways.
Lasts for:
Plasma can last up to one year when frozen.
How does it work?
The process is called apheresis. Which means some blood is taken, the plasma is kept and the rest is returned back to you.
How long does it take?
45 minutes to donate but allow 1.5 hours for the whole appointment.
How often can I donate?
Every 2 weeks.
Platelets
What is it?
The tiny ‘plates’ in blood that wedge together to help clotting and reduce bleeding. Platelets are always in demand: they are vital for people with low platelet counts, like many cancer patients.
Who can donate?
Men who are aged between 18-75, weigh 50kg or more and have previously given a successful plasma donation in the past 12 months. Other criteria apply, so call Australian Red Cross Lifeblood on 13 14 95 for details.
Used for:
Cancer, leukaemia (particularly during chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants), surgery, trauma. liver disease.
Lasts for:
Just five days.
How does it work?
Some blood is collected, the platelets are kept and the rest is returned to you by apheresis.
How long does it take?
45 minutes to donate but allow 1.5 hours for the whole appointment.
How often can I donate?
Every 2 – 4 weeks.
To book an appointment to donate or for more information about donating blood
please call Australian Red Cross Lifeblood on 13 14 95
