Blood reserves at critical levels

AN immediate call for blood donors has been issued by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood as the reserves of most types drop to critical levels.

Unless the organisation receives significant donations, levels will drop to the lowest they have been this year.

Blood and plasma are used to treat a number of conditions and their range of uses is regularly increasing, creating higher demand.

“Right now, we need both blood and plasma donors; we have empty chairs across our network every single day,” said Lifeblood executive director of donor experience, Cath Stone.

“Almost 4,000 bags of blood are needed by hospitals every day across Australia to help patients in times of trauma, major surgery, cancer treatment, pregnancy and for a range of other medical conditions.”

One donation can save up to three lives and Ms Stone encouraged the community not to discount themselves from blood donation as many potential donors incorrectly believe that are ineligible.

“With one in three of us needing donated blood in our lifetime, the life you save could be that of a friend or family member, so please don’t wait, book now,” she said.

“Fewer than three per cent of the population donate blood regularly, yet more than 58 per cent are eligible to donate.

“That means there are about 10 million more people who could donate today, but don’t.”

To book an appointment visit the Lifeblood website.