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Research study update: Understanding the anti-D immune response

This project is an exciting search for the holy grail of anti-D donor research: identifying the “secret sauce” in a person’s immune response that makes them produce anti-D antibodies, and replicating this in the lab.

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The mums behind milk donation

Our milk research team have dug into the records to learn more about these generous women.

14 May 2025

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Disaster-proofing our blood supply

How we're beating the weather to supply safe blood all around Australia, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

17 April 2025

Donor Faye smiling in donor chair alongside Lifeblood staff Luke

A win-win situation: Blood donation as part of your workday

Did you know that donating blood is a win for both employees and their employer? Our donor research team looked at why 300 people do or don’t donate blood as part of their workday in a national survey spanning four organisations. Here’s what we found.

Dr Wayne Dyer presenting at a conference

ABDS show and tell

We’re making the most of the samples and data that you’ve generously given for research, which will lead to more discoveries and better health for donors and all Australians.

06 March 2025

Researcher looking at a blood sample in the lab

Behind the scenes at our biobank

Your blood samples go on a surprisingly complex journey to be part of our biobank.

06 March 2025

What's next for the ABDS?

March 2025 update from the Australian Blood Donor Study

06 March 2025

a scientist is wearing a white coat and purple gloves, she is looking at a vial of blood she's holding up

What do sugar, 3D printing and stem cells have in common?

They’re all key to growing blood in the lab! It’s a futuristic concept with amazing potential to save lives. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood researchers are harnessing the latest technology to explore the world of blood grown outside of the body.

A female blood donor wearing read and smiling at the camera

We’re not the same (and it’s great!). The vital role of diversity among blood donors

Hurstville, New South Wales (NSW) is home to our newest blood donor centre. But why have we chosen to open our doors there? Learn more about how we choose the perfect spots and the role diversity plays in helping find the best blood match for more Aussies.

07 February 2025

The chronic health condition that can help save lives

Haemochromatosis is the most common genetic condition in Australia. The condition causes the body to store dangerously high levels of iron.

Meet the researchers

Behind the scenes with the team.

23 August 2024

How does ABDS link to other projects at Lifeblood?

Dr Alexis Perros is a research fellow, and she's using genomic techniques and samples from the ABDS biobank to help answer questions about blood group systems and iron storage.

23 August 2024

ABDS update

Find out what we’ve found (so far) and what happens next.

23 August 2024

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Research study update: Understanding how blood donors deal with receiving a low haemoglobin result

In August 2023 we started giving donors a letter to take to their doctor if their haemoglobin (Hb) levels were low.

03 July 2024

An illlustration of two people holding giant blood drops, against a ribbon device

Unlocking the potential of Filipino blood donors: a giving and engaging community

Did you know that blood types go beyond A, B, and O? In fact, there are over 350 different blood types, and some of those are more common in people with particular ethnic ancestry.

12 June 2024

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ABDS - Frequently asked questions

I couldn’t provide a sample when I was at a donor centre and now I can’t donate, can I still be part of the study?Yes. The blood samples are just one part of the study.

21 February 2024

An illustration of a group of blood donors standing together

Nervous, relaxed, proud: Understanding novice donors’ feelings

Take home message

31 January 2024

illustration of a person holding up a large red blood droplet and a scientist in a white coat holding a magnifying glass

How does the Australian Blood Donor Study (ABDS) link to other projects at Lifeblood?

Learn more about the different projects that will depend on your survey responses and blood samples.

24 January 2024

photo of doctor surendra karki, he is wearing a blue checked shirt and glasses and smiling off camera

Meet a researcher

Behind the scenes with Dr Surendra Karki, a Lifeblood Research Fellow

24 January 2024

photo of a scientist wearing goggles and placing a box of samples into a freezer

ABDS update February 2024

Find out what we’ve found (so far) and what happens next.

24 January 2024

illustration of various environmental features including flowers, mountains, trees, clouds, the sun and a waterfall being held up by a hand

What does climate change have to do with blood donation?

Climate change has emerged as one of the greatest challenges of our time.

11 August 2023

illustration of four people in white lab coats

Research study update: Beyond the iron gate

People with Hereditary haemochromatosis (HHC) who donate at Lifeblood reported that they feel more like donors than patients. This suggests that Lifeblood could change the way we communicate with them, as we currently communicate with them as “patients”. They did not know much about plasma and had mixed views on being able to donate plasma.

04 July 2023

Why plasma matters

Plasma can be a real game changer!

What would it take to get you to donate blood regularly?

One of the easiest ways to help meet demand is to encourage those who already donate to give blood more often. But what would it take to encourage regular blood donation? Why don’t we pay donors?

28 November 2022

call and give blood

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