But the team from Bendigo's Red Cross blood service say there are at least 18 reasons why we should all be thinking about this lifesaving substance that makes up most of our blood.

Donated plasma is saving the lives of people every day, providing 18 different treatments, helping patients including those with severe burns, blood disorders, kidney disease, chicken pox, measles and even newborn babies.

John Sharples has been donating plasma at the Bendigo blood bank for three years.

While, at around an hour, it takes a little longer than a regular blood donation, Mr Sharples said he had the time to donate and it was something he was happy to do.

"Plus they give you party pies and you can have a chat to the lovely staff while you're donating," he said.

Shae Burns from the service said Australia was experiencing an increased demand for plasma, but many people weren't aware that it was possible to donate.

"We want to educate people that it's not all about the red stuff," she said.

Donors are hooked up to the machine which extracts the plasma from the blood.

Plasma can be donated more frequently than blood, where there is a wait period between donations to let iron build up again.

The staff at the Bendigo Donor Centre recently held a Plasma Party to raise awareness of the need for plasma donations, and dressed in yellow to represent "plasma's golden colour".

Visitors were given yellow treat bags and snacks, as well as information about the donation process.

"Plasma is full of important proteins and nutrients that protect us against invaders and help our blood to clot," Ms Burns said.

"Plasma can be the last line of defence in the treatment of many serious medical conditions like cancer, bleeding disorders, immune and neurological conditions and burns."

Continuous improvements in the detection of some health conditions, an ageing population and the high standard of care in Australia are thought to be some of the reasons behind a rapid growth in plasma demand.

To make an appointment or to learn more about donating plasma, call 131 495 or visit donateblood.com.au