TRANSCRIPT
It's the stuff of life.
And while we might be familiar with the basic blood groups in Australia, a study of 490,000 blood donors has found a jump in R1R1.
This is a blood type variation linked to people who are B and AB blood types - which are more commonly found in Asia, the Middle East and India.
Dr Rena Hirani is a Senior Research Fellow at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood and the lead in this study.
She says this study follows up on previous research looking at the prevalence of A and AB groups across Australia.
"We decided to do was to look further and look at different phenotypes of blood types as well. So there are actually 45 different blood group systems on your red blood cells and there are 360 different variations that can occur. So we decided to look at a select number of these and what we found was that a group called R1R1 had increased in prevalence and this is more common in people who are B or AB as well. So as we are seeing a shift in our A BO groups across the community, we are also seeing a shift in some of these lesser known variations. And this may have implications on how we perform transfusions into the future."
Dr Hirani says any changes in blood groups in the population mean more donors from these groups are needed.
In addition to donors from Asia, the Middle East and India, donors from New Zealand, Samoa, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Iran, Syria, and the Philippines are also required.
Joe Ratana who is originally from New Zealand has Maori and Samoan descent.
He has a rare blood type, found in 1 in 100 people of Polynesian and Islander background and says he donates plasma every couple of 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. And 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."
Joe says he feels compelled to help people especially young children from similar backgrounds needing blood transfusions.
"It was mainly for the little children. I see them, no one in particular, just the little child, the little children that they can make a difference to that they do use my plasma for and so forth. So that was really what inspired me."
Joe who works in the construction industry says he tries to spread the message to some of his workmates to donate especially to those of a similar ethnic background.
"Well, I work with a lot of island boys, so I say look, if you want to come down or make a difference or something or see what your blood type is, come with me. They're not interested at the moment. Some of them are big boys but they're scared of a needle unfortunately."
Jemma Falkenmire who also works at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood says she understands some people may have fears that may be stopping them from donating.
She wants to reassure people that the staff at donation centres are well trained in making the experience as painless as possible.
"We would love to let people know that it's really easy. It only takes around an hour of your time. It's perfectly safe for your health as well. 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. 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 and your blood is helping a patient in hospital within as little as 24 hours of giving that blood."
People interested in donating blood can call 13 14 95 or visit my.donateblood.com.au.
