Bone marrow transplant - the average transplant requires 120 units of platelets and about 20 units of red blood cells. Burn victims - severe cases can need 20 units of platelets during treatment. Blood is also often needed for general surgery, obstetrics procedures and gynecology patients. Blood and Blood Products Whole Blood Is used to replace massive blood loss due to surgery or injury. Red Blood Cells Carry oxygen from lungs to all parts of the body.
Plasma carries the blood cells on their journey through the body.
Plasma is used as a volume expander and to treat shock due to plasma loss in burns or hemorrhage. Platelets Smallest blood cells. They are part of the blood that causes it to clot. Platelets rush to the point of injury to stop the bleeding. Platelets are used to treat patients with leukemia and other forms of cancer or to treat bleeding due to platelet shortage.