These blood types are on the rise in Australia, but there's a shortage of donors

An increase in lesser-known blood types in Australia has sparked a fresh plea for people from a range of ethnic backgrounds to roll up their sleeves and donate.

The increasing genetic diversity of Australia's population has resulted in changes to the types of blood donors needed. Source: AAP / Steven Saphore

Blood is the stuff of life.

But while we might be familiar with the basic blood groups in Australia, new research suggests the prevalence of lesser-known blood types is rising.

The discovery has led to calls for an increase in blood donations from people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, to ensure there's enough for those who need transfusions.

Which blood types are increasing in Australia?

There are more than 360 blood type variations — which can be linked to a person's ethnicity, Dr Rena Hirani, a senior research fellow at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, said.

But until now, no research had looked at the prevalence of lesser-known blood types within the Australian population.

A study of 490,000 donors, led by Hirani and published in the peer-reviewed journal Pathology, found there had been a jump in the number of people with the R1R1 variation.

That variation is linked to people who have B and AB blood types, which are more commonly found in Asia and the Middle East.

The study also found that Duffy and Kidd null blood types, which were often in demand, were more common among donors born in countries such as New Zealand, Samoa, the Philippines, Iran, Syria, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Sudan, and Kenya.

Hirani said the rising prevalence of lesser-known blood types in Australia was likely a result of the country's changing ethnic makeup.

"This may have implications on how we perform (blood) transfusions into the future," she said.

What blood donors are needed?

While donors of all backgrounds are welcome, Hirani said there was a particular need for blood from these groups of people:

• African
• Asian
• Middle Eastern
• Polynesian

Joe Ratana, who is of Maori and Samoan descent, has a rare blood type found in just one in 100 people of Polynesian and Pacific Islander background.

He donates plasma every two weeks.

"I didn't really fully understand what my blood type was and what they did with my blood until I actually asked the question one day," he said.

"When I found out it helps people with cancers and all that stuff, then I thought, 'Oh, I'll make a worthwhile contribution to people who need it'."

Ratana said he felt particularly "inspired" to help children needing blood transfusions.

Joe Ratana donates plasma every couple of weeks. Source: Supplied / Australian Red Cross Lifeblood

What is donating blood like?

Jemma Falkenmire, a spokesperson for Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, said donating blood was "really easy".

"It only takes around an hour of your time. It's perfectly safe for your health, as well," she said.

"You actually do get a health check before you donate, so we're checking your blood pressure, your iron levels, just to check that you are safe to donate and that your blood is safe for the patient."

Falkenmire said while she understood some people might have fears that were stopping them from donating, there was no need to worry,

"We have incredible staff who are really well-trained and know what they're doing and can put you at ease and make you feel relaxed," she said.

People interested in donating blood can call 13 14 95 or visit lifeblood.com.au