The Australian Red Cross has urged more Canberrans to donate plasma as demand increases across the territory.
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The number of plasma donors in the ACT increased by 37 per cent to 2471 between 2010 to 2014, with a further 5 per cent increase recorded this year.
But the increase has not been enough to meet demand, with plasma continually being used for new therapies and to create 18 different treatments.
"It's used to treat burns victims, trauma and cancer patients, those with blood and immunity disorders, as well as creating vaccinations against chicken pox, hepatitis B and tetanus," said Australian Red Cross spokeswoman Sally Gavin.
"Most people will already have benefited from this 'liquid gold' and not even realise it."
Ms Gavin said donating plasma took slightly longer than a regular blood donation although it could be done every two weeks, rather than every 12 weeks.
"The process of plasma donation separates your oxygen carrying red cells from the plasma and returns those cells to you during the process, along with saline to help boost your blood volume, which is why you can donate more frequently," she said.
"Demand for plasma continues to grow as new uses are discovered, so we're always looking for new donors."
But amid the focus on plasma the number of blood donors in the ACT has fallen for the third consecutive year with fewer Canberrans taking time to donate.
In 2010 there 15,014 registered blood donors although this fell to 13,026 by the end of 2014.
Earlier this year, Australian Red Cross spokesman Shaun Inguanzo said the blood service had spent a year focusing on the recruitment of plasma donors to meet demand.
"We will always need whole blood donors as there is no replacement for fresh blood," he said
"The ACT has roughly the same number of donors that it had in 2010, but the breakdown of donation type is markedly different due to two critical factors: less demand for red blood cells, and an increase in demand for plasma," he said.
Mr Inguanzo said the demand for red cells had declined internationally due to improvements in the way medical professionals use blood.
"In recent years, Australia and the rest of the world has begun to see the benefit of patient blood management in hospitals," he said.
"With clinicians using donated blood more responsibly, the blood services need only collect what is required."
During 2013/14, the Red Cross issued 60,000 less red cell units than the previous year – a drop of 7.9 per cent.
While Mr Inguanzo expected the number of red cells issued to medical staff would continue to fall by 3 per cent in 2015, the demand for plasma is set to increase.
