Blood
HOW COMMON IS YOUR BLOOD TYPE?
Whole Blood and Blood Components Blood may be transfused as whole blood or as one of its components. Because patients seldom require all of the components of whole blood, it makes sense to transfuse only that portion needed by the patient for a specific condition or disease. This treatment, referred to as blood component therapy, allows several patients to benefit from one unit of donated whole blood. Blood components include red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor (AHF). Up to four components may be derived from one unit of blood. Whole blood is separated into its component parts for patients needing a particular product. The main blood collection bag has up to three satellite bags attached to it. In a centrifuge process, the red cells, platelets, and plasma are spun, separated and readied for transfusion. Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow and carry oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide. They are needed for accident victims, certain surgeries, and patients with anemia and blood disorders. Platelets are tiny cells, formed in the bone marrow, that control bleeding by helping the blood to clot. The body replaces platelets within 72 hours of donation. Leukemia and cancer patients need platelets because chemotherapy destroys their own supply of platelets. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood and makes up 55% of blood volume. It is comprised of 92% water, 7% protein, and 1% minerals, and is essential in the clotting/coagulation process. Plasma is used for patients experiencing heavy bleeding and for burn victims. Cryoprecipitate is extracted from plasma in a freezing and thawing process. This component contains a specific clotting agent, Factor VIII, missing in hemophiliacs and essential for controlling bleeding. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blood Usage Major Reasons Patients Need Blood
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