Most donated units of blood are separated into components so that they may be used in the treatment of more than one patient. Whole blood contains all four components and is sometimes used to treat acute hemorrhage patients. Red cells transport oxygen to body cells and remove carbon dioxide. Red cells can save the lives of patients undergoing open-heart surgery and aid in the treatment of anemia and other chronic blood diseases. Accident victims and women who lose blood during childbirth also use this component.
Platelets are microscopic cell fragments whose main function is to help blood clot.
Cancer patients, who are the primary users of platelets need several units for transfusions. Plasma is used by patients undergoing open-heart surgery as well as by patients with certain clotting disorders. Cryoprecipitate contains the specific clotting factor that hemophiliacs lack. Apheresis Donations Apheresis is a special type of donation procedure in which just one component of blood, either platelets or plasma, is collected. The procedure takes blood from one arm of the donor, sends it through a machine which separates the needed component, and returns the remaining components to the donor.