The Red Cross leads the nation in research into uses for blood products. Healthy Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all parts of your body. It carries carbon dioxide and other waste products back to the lungs, kidneys and liver for disposal. It fights against infection and helps heal wounds. One pint of blood can be separated into several components.
Platelets Help blood to clot.
Plasma Helps maintain blood pressure, carries blood cells, nutrients, enzymes and hormones, and supplies critical proteins for blood clotting and immunity. Blood Transfusions Blood is used to treat patients with cancer and those undergoing surgery, victims of accidents and trauma. Blood products help to prevent viral infectious diseases such as chicken pox and is used in the treatment of shock. Blood helps people with bleeding problems, such as leukemia patients and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.