THE Edgewater Blood Donor Centre needs 700 people to donate plasma in the next month.
And in a bid to break a record, it hopes to get at least 100 of those 700 appointments in one day.
Australian Red Cross Blood Service spokeswoman Jessica Willet said the centre would host a plasma drive on Tuesday, November 20.
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READ NOW“The current record for most plasma donations collected at a donor centre in one day in WA is held by Perth CBD Donor Centre with 99 plasma donations,” she said.
“So 100-plus donations would see Edgewater take the record.”
She said with plasma being used in 18 different ways – including treating people suffering serious burns or cancer, protecting people with brain or blood disorders, and protecting kids against chicken pox – the demand for this component of blood grew rapidly every year.
She said donating plasma was simple and a lot like giving blood.
“Just sit back and relax on a comfy couch for 45 minutes while you donate,” she said.
“The whole appointment takes 1.5 hours and you can donate as often as every two weeks.”
She said continuous improvements in the detection of some health conditions, an ageing population and the high standard of care in Australia were thought to be behind Australia’s rapid growth in plasma demand.
To donate, call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au.