The increase has pushed the blood bank to call for at least 300 donations per week during October to help 12,000 patients in need of plasma medicines and transfusions each month.

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"The highest demand for the plasma is to be used to treat immune deficiencies - which has been increasing every year, nearly 10 per cent more than the same period last year," spokeswoman Jemma Falkenmire said.

"Australia is one of the world's largest users of plasma medicines per person. An ageing population, coupled with the discovery of new uses for plasma products as well as early detection of illness, is expected to continue driving increased demand."

The "yellow part of the blood" can have many uses from treating cancer or immune disorders, burns, fight infectious diseases, prevent blood clots, and stop critical bleeding (often in emergency situations).

Angela Lester from Shellharbour visited the Lifeblood centre to donate for her 62^nd time on Tuesday and gave 800 ml of her precious plasma.

"About ten years ago my mum had to start having regular blood transfusions and blood products and [I decided] I wanted to give back and help others in that way that mum was helped," Ms Lester said.

"All it is really is your time, you sit back and relax."

Regular blood donor Sarah Hill of Woonona was asked if she could make her first plasma donation recently and agreed because "it feels good to do something positive".

"The pie and milkshake at the end makes it all worth it," Miss Hill joked.

"I have a few friends who also regularly donate, and we inspire each other to keep on donating."

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Carolyn Dews, CEO of the Wollongong-based Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia, said plasma donation become part of life-saving treatment for those living with a rare disease such as a primary immunodeficiency.

"With our patients [with immune disorders] their lifelong treatment comes from plasma because it contains disease-fighting antibodies that help to protect them from infection and reduce autoimmune symptoms," she said.

Donating plasma takes a little longer than donating blood, with the entire appointment taking 90 minutes including a health check prior and a milkshake afterwards. People can donate as often as every two weeks.

To make an appointment or learn more about donating plasma, call 13 14 95 or visit www.lifeblood.com.au.

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