Blood donation
, Introduction
Blood donation is a voluntary procedure that can help save the lives
of others. There are several types of blood donation. Each type helps
meet different medical needs.
Whole blood donation
This is the most common type of blood donation, during which
you donate about a pint (about half a liter) of whole blood. The
blood is then separated into its components — red cells, plasma
and sometimes platelets.
During apheresis, you are hooked up to a machine that can collect
and separate blood components, including red cells, plasma and
platelets, and return unused components back to you.
Platelet donation (plateletpheresis) collects only platelets — the cells
that help stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs (clotting) in
blood vessels. Donated platelets are commonly given to people with
clotting problems or cancer and people who will have organ
transplants or major surgeries. Double red cell donation allows you
to donate a concentrated amount of red blood cells. Red blood cells
deliver oxygen to your organs and tissues. Donated red blood cells
are typically given to people with severe blood loss, such as after an
injury or accident, and people with sickle cell anemia. Plasma
donation (plasmapheresis) collects the liquid portion of the blood
(plasma). Plasma helps blood clot and contains antibodies that help
fight off infections. Plasma is commonly given to people in
emergency and trauma situations to help stop bleeding.
, Introduction
Blood donation is a voluntary procedure that can help save the lives
of others. There are several types of blood donation. Each type helps
meet different medical needs.
Whole blood donation
This is the most common type of blood donation, during which
you donate about a pint (about half a liter) of whole blood. The
blood is then separated into its components — red cells, plasma
and sometimes platelets.
During apheresis, you are hooked up to a machine that can collect
and separate blood components, including red cells, plasma and
platelets, and return unused components back to you.
Platelet donation (plateletpheresis) collects only platelets — the cells
that help stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs (clotting) in
blood vessels. Donated platelets are commonly given to people with
clotting problems or cancer and people who will have organ
transplants or major surgeries. Double red cell donation allows you
to donate a concentrated amount of red blood cells. Red blood cells
deliver oxygen to your organs and tissues. Donated red blood cells
are typically given to people with severe blood loss, such as after an
injury or accident, and people with sickle cell anemia. Plasma
donation (plasmapheresis) collects the liquid portion of the blood
(plasma). Plasma helps blood clot and contains antibodies that help
fight off infections. Plasma is commonly given to people in
emergency and trauma situations to help stop bleeding.
