Blood donors can now see supply levels in real time as more units needed

Blood donors can now see supply levels in real time as 6500 units are needed this week to meet demands nationally.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood hopes the new tracking technology will encourage more people to donate after research found 75 per cent of Australians would donate if they knew their blood type was needed.

The new system will have very low, low, need more and good for blood supply levels.

READ MORE: Damaging winds, heavy rain to impact south-eastern states

If your blood type is marked good, Lifeblood recommends you donate plasma.

May to September are the months where blood supply levels are most likely to drop to very low.

"We hope that by having up-to-date information about how much blood is held by Lifeblood, it will motivate more people to come in and donate, especially when their blood type is needed or running low," Lifeblood executive director of donor experience Cath Stone said.

"We'd love to see people keeping a regular eye on our blood supplies and making an appointment when their blood type is needed, especially during the colder months."

READ MORE: At least 50 female students targeted as AI-generated nude photos circulate

The service needs to keep enough red cell units in stock but supply can vary depending on how much is sent to hospitals and how many donations they have been made.

"If you don't know your blood type, donating blood is a great way to find out," Stone said.

"Please make an appointment, because no matter what blood type you are, every donation you give can save up to three lives."

A blood donation is needed every 18 seconds in Australia for cancer patients, people living with blood disorders, surgery and women giving birth.

This week is National Blood Donor Week.