What happens to donated blood?
Watch the journey of blood
The journey of blood
Before your life-saving donation reaches people in need, it goes through a complex process to ensure we maintain one of the safest blood supplies in the world. Watch this video for an overview.
Follow your blood on its journey
1) First, it's tested
Your donation is carefully packed and sent from the donor centre to a processing centre — there are four across Australia. In the processing centre, we test your blood so we know it’s safe for a patient.
Learn how blood is tested
2) Then, processed
If tests come back negative, we put it in a centrifuge. This spins the blood really fast until it separates into red blood cells, plasma, and something called a ‘buffy coat’ (white blood cells and platelets).
Making blood components
3) Then, sent to hospitals
Once your donation is separated, it’s put into a press. This squashes the red cells into one new bag and the plasma into another, leaving the buffy coat in the original bag. Your blood components are sent out to where they’re needed most, saving up to three lives.
View patient storiesHow your blood makes a difference
After you donate, we’ll send you a text message to let you know which hospital your blood donation goes to.
Know the power of plasma
The power of plasma
Curious about how this special part of your blood takes a slightly different journey? Watch this video for an overview, and discover how plasma is a game-changer when it comes to donating blood.
Red blood cells can seriously save lives
They can help in emergencies, like complications in childbirth.
Why donate blood
Platelets are small but have huge impact
Cancer patients are the main users of platelets.
Learn about platelets
Plasma can help with burns and immune deficiencies
Find out the many ways your plasma can change lives.
Learn about plasma