Blood Components
When you donate blood, you give more than a single product, you provide multiple life-saving components. After the blood is collected, it is carefully separated into parts so it can help different patients with different needs. By donating blood, you are directly supporting patients in hospitals every day.
Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. They are most often used for patients experiencing blood loss from surgery or trauma, as well as those with anemia or certain medical conditions. Red cells are essential for restoring strength and energy.
Platelets
Platelets help blood clot and prevent excessive bleeding. They are especially important for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, transplant recipients, and individuals with bleeding disorders. Because platelets have a very short shelf life, regular donations are critical.
Plasma
Plasma is the liquid portion of blood that carries nutrients, hormones, and proteins. It contains clotting factors that help control bleeding and is used for trauma patients, burn victims, and individuals with clotting disorders. Plasma can also be processed into specialized therapies.
Cryoprecipitate
Derived from plasma, cryoprecipitate contains concentrated clotting factors and is used to treat certain bleeding conditions and support patients during surgery or massive transfusion.
