Reserves of O-type blood are running critically low in the country, with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood issuing an urgent call for 9,500 donations within the next week.
Extra donations of O positive and O negative blood donors are needed in the next seven days to ensure Lifeblood can continue to meet the needs of patients across the country.
“Right now, we’re seeing the highest rates of people rescheduling or cancelling their appointments since June last year, and our O-type blood supplies are at their lowest level since October 2023,” said Lifeblood executive director Stuart Chesneau in a statement.
“Every day, we issue close to 10,000 blood transfusions and medications to hospitals around the country to meet patient demand and we can’t do it without people donating.”
O-negative blood — AKA the ‘universal blood type’ — is the type most frequently ordered by hospitals and can both be used in emergency situations. It’s often stocked in ambulances and rescue hospitals, to be used on patients whose blood type is unknown.
Less than seven per cent of Australians have this blood type, but its versatility means it makes up 16 per cent of the blood ordered by hospitals.
According to Chesneau, donations of O positive are equally vital, given it’s as safe as O negative for the majority of emergency transfusions.
“Some 40 per cent of people in Australia have O positive blood, meaning they too can help save lives in emergency situations,” he added.
Lifeblood is calling on people of all blood types who are feeling healthy and well, especially those with O-type blood, to make an appointment and come in for a donation.
“If you’ve never donated before and don’t know your blood type, coming in to donate is a great way to find out, and you get the chance to save a life,” Chesneau said.
The average appointment lasts about an hour, though the donation itself really only lasts up to 10 minutes.
Previous Lifeblood research suggests more than half (57 per cent) of Australians can give blood, but just over three per cent choose to donate.
To make a donation, you can call 13 14 95, or book online.
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