There’s something powerful within all of us
Australia’s Olympians Michael Klim, Cathy Freeman, Ian Thorpe, Cate Campbell and Cooper Woods are showing up for a gold that matters beyond sport – plasma.
This is their invitation to you. Watch now.
What is plasma?
Plasma is the yellowish liquid part of your blood that carries blood cells throughout the body and can be used in 18 different life-saving ways. International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW) celebrates the power of plasma and the incredible difference plasma donors make to patients every day.
Can I give plasma?
- Nearly 60% of the population can donate blood
- Mostly, you can still donate plasma straight away if you've been diagnosed with low iron as part of your blood donation screening, if you've been travelling or have gotten a tattoo in Australia.
What does a plasma donation look like?
- Book in and tell us about you – Check in at the donor centre, fill out a questionnaire, and have a chat with a staff member if you have any questions.
- Sit back and save lives – Here’s where you donate. The process is called ‘apheresis’ and it takes about 45 minutes. It’s just like donating blood but a little longer. A machine draws out blood from your arm, separates it from plasma, and your blood is returned to you – all while you’re in a comfy chair!
- Rest and snack – There’s no rush to leave. In fact, we’d love for you to have a snack on us before you go.
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Saving lives? No sweat.
You won’t need to break a sweat to score this limited-edition sweat towel. As part of International Plasma Awareness Week, we want to thank and recognise our amazing donors. Simply join our donor loyalty program, Lifeblood Gifts, donate plasma in October, and it’s yours!
Available while stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.
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Go for gold with a Lifeblood Team
The greatest victories are the ones we achieve together. And helping save lives is one worth showing up for.
With Lifeblood Teams, you can join forces with your organisation and workplace to help meet Australia's growing need for plasma. Every donation helps, and when a team comes together to help save lives, the impact is extraordinary.
So gather your teammates, step up for Australia and go for life-saving gold!
Michael’s story
“I’ve always pushed my body to the limit. I never thought it would let me down.”
A rare autoimmune disorder called chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, or CIDP, hit Olympian Michael Klim hard. But, with the help of donated plasma, he’s fighting back.
Michael’s one of countless people across the country who need regular treatments
Every 6 weeks, Michael needs intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). Just one treatment for him is made from up to...
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blood donations or
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plasma donations
To receive a 'Go for gold' sweat towel:
- Donors must attend their plasma donation and donate in October.
- Donors must be opted in to Lifeblood Gifts to receive a towel. You can do this via the Lifeblood app, by signing up here or at your local donor centre.
- If you’re booked in for a blood donation and were not aware of the giveaway, you can still receive this exclusive towel by booking a plasma donation as your next donation.