The majority of people who were booked in to give blood have missed their appointments, prompting an urgent call for thousands of donors to roll up their sleeves and donate.
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The Red Cross is calling for at least 3200 donors to give blood before January 3, with O and A blood types the most in demand.
Red Cross Lifeblood donor centre network head Cath Stone says testing and quarantining requirements prompted by the Omicron outbreak, as well as the holiday season, were creating a "perfect storm" of cancellations.
"Donor numbers have plummeted due to a perfect storm of people waiting on COVID-19 test results or quarantining, many being away with the reopening of borders, and donors wanting to spend more time with family and friends," Ms Stone said.
"More than half of all appointments are not being attended, which means we need more donors to roll up their sleeves and take the place of those who can't donate."
She said it was critically important that people donate blood between now and the new year, with donor centres open every day.
The PCR test requirement for entry into a number of states, as well as a surge in the number of people being identified as close contacts and requiring testing, has caused a blowout in wait times with some results taking up to six days to return.
"In particular we are looking for people with O and A blood types to donate blood. These blood groups make up nearly 90 per cent of patients in hospital and we need donors of these blood types to donate this week to maintain our supply," Ms Stone said.
"With one in three of us needing donated blood in our lifetime, the life you save could be that of a friend or family member."
Qld and NSW are the most in need of donors, with 1000 additional donors required in each state.
Blood donation centres are open every day around the country.
"It takes one hour to come and donate blood and it gives life and hope to somebody and their families for Christmases to come," Ms Stone said.
Trauma events, surgeries, cancer treatments, birthing mothers and newborn babies are among those in need of blood during the period, and Ms Stone says a donation is needed every 18 seconds around the country.
To book a donation call 13 14 95 or visit lifeblood.com.au