Human Blood is produced by human beings only. There is no substitute.
Blood keeps the body healthy and active.
Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body and takes carbon dioxide and other waste products to the lungs, kidneys and liver for disposal.
There are four types of transfusable products that can be derived from blood: Red Blood Cells, Platelets, Plasma and Cryoprecipitate. Typically, two or three of these are produced from a unit of donated whole blood.
A single donation can potentially help more than one patient.
Donors can give either whole blood or specific blood components only. The process of donating specific blood components – Single Donor Platelets is called Apheresis.
One transfusion dose of Platelets can be obtained through one Apheresis donation of Platelets or by combining the Platelets derived from 6-8 whole blood donations.
Most donated red blood cells must be used within 35 or 42 days of collection.
Donated Platelets must be used within 5 days of collection so that new donations are constantly needed.
Plasma and Cryoprecipitate are stored in frozen state and can be used for up to one year after collection.
Healthy bone marrow makes a constant supply of red cells, plasma and Platelets. The body will replenish the elements given during a blood donation – some in a matter of hours and others in a matter of weeks.
