Rare blood donors needed for South Australian mum's open-heart surgery

Amira Soliman, 37, has a rare combination of blood types and just one in 10,000 people may be a match.

But she is expected to need more than 20 bags of blood for the surgery and that means finding at least 15 suitable donors.

Lifeblood launched the search on July 27 and so far four donors have been found as people roll up their sleeves in response.

Director of Donor Relations Steven Eldridge compared the search to finding a needle in a haystack.

"Most people know about A and O blood groups but within these main groups there are hundreds of varieties and Amira has a rare combination of them," he said.

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"We're pleased to confirm that two bags of blood are currently en route to Australia from the United Kingdom and we're working with other blood services overseas to search for potential donors."

Close to 80 per cent of Australians have an A or O blood type and Lifeblood is calling for these people to come forward and donate.

All donated blood is being tested to find a suitable match and extra appointments have been opened up nationwide.

Amira's husband Ahmed said any help or support was much appreciated.

"This is not a situation you ever expect to find yourself in," he said.

"We are so grateful to family, friends and the wonderful people in the community, many of whom we do not know, who have heard about Amira's plight and have rolled up a sleeve to donate blood."

To join the search book a donation via lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the Donate Blood app.