Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

Lifeblood are here for all Australians. And though their life-giving role started over 90 years ago with blood donations, today they support more people in more ways than ever before, from organ matching and tissue typing, to breast milk donations and microbiota donations.

They’re there for Australia. Not just with donations, but through clinical excellence, commitment to education and ongoing investment in research and development. They’re a team of experts who deliver safe, high-quality products time and time again.

Lifeblood is a division of the Australian Red Cross Society and subscribe fully to its humanitarian principles. However, they’re separate from the humanitarian arm of the Red Cross and blood operations are funded by Australian governments, not monetary donations.

Donors are Australia’s lifeblood. They’re indispensable and inspirational. Without them, Lifeblood can’t deliver the services that are critical to the health of our nation.

How Australian Red Cross Lifeblood can help

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood supports Australian lives - through blood donation and transfusion, organ matching and tissue typing, donated breast milk and microbiota donations.

Information line

  • To find out more about becoming a blood donor, organ and tissue, breast milk or microbiota donor call 131 495

  • Or visit lifeblood.com.au

Programs and apps

  • The free Donate blood app is the easiest way to manage blood donation appointments

Recommended links

This information was originally published on healthdirect - Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.

Last reviewed: September 2022

Information from this partner

Found 8 results

Testing donated blood so it's safe| Lifeblood

Find out how donated blood is tested to maintain safety and manage the risk of any viruses inadvertently spread through blood donations.

Read more on Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website

Pregnancy, anti–D and plasma | Lifeblood

Show — Main navigation Hide — Main navigation Blood Back to Overview Eligibility Making your donation Find a donor centre Learn about blood Blood testing and safety Donate as a group Check your eligibility Prepare and after care Other ways to help Latest COVID-19 news Eligible to donate blood? Let's get started: Book now Milk Back to Overview Eligibility Information for parents Safety Your donation guide Eligible to donate milk? Let's get started: Register now Our research Back to Overview Meet our researchers Our program Our strategy Our training Latest research news Patients Back to Overview Reasons for transfusion Receiving a transfusion Types of transfusion Avoid a transfusion Blood for transfusion Further resources Matching blood groups Iron deficiency Anaemia Health professionals Back to Overview Products Testing Clinical practice Inventory management Learn Contacts Red cell reference Transplantation High ferritin Forms Resource library

Read more on Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website

Why donate breast milk | Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

If you're a breastfeeding mum with excess breast milk, talk to us at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. See how you can make a difference with donated breast milk at our milk bank.

Read more on Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website

Donated breast milk for new parents | Lifeblood

If you’ve had a premature baby, check with your doctor if donated breast milk is an option. See how we can help.

Read more on Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website

Matching blood groups | Lifeblood

Before you receive a transfusion, testing is done between the donated blood and a sample of your own blood to check for compatibility.

Read more on Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website

Receiving a transfusion | Lifeblood

Lots of people receive transfusions every year, but it’s normal to feel a bit nervous. Knowing what to expect can help.

Read more on Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website

Pregnancy and childbirth | Lifeblood

Anaemia, bleeding, prevention of haemolytic disease of the newborn and immune platelet disorders are conditions that can happen during or immediately after pregnancy and need treatment.

Read more on Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website

Blood types and doughnuts: What are blood types and why do they matter? | Lifeblood

What’s your type?

Read more on Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.