Despite these technological advancements, many medical needs currently exist that can only be met through the donation of blood, organs, or tissues. Approximately 70 million units of blood are donated per year, worldwide. The blood and blood components collected are used to treat a variety of individuals including accident victims, cancer patients and people undergoing surgery. Despite the generosity and commitment of blood donors, the need for this precious resource continues to exceed supply. Additionally, more than 500,000 people each year receive donor organs and tissue.
Patients receiving organ donations suffer from failure of their kidneys, liver, heart or lungs.
Technological advancements have enhanced the quality of life for these patients, but long-term solutions currently can only be found through transplant. The need for organs and tissues for transplant is great, and continues to increase. In the United States the number of organ transplants performed each year has increased 60 percent, from about 13,000 in 1988 to more than 20,000 in 1997. Despite the increased availability of donor organs and tissues, more than 4,000 people died in 1997 while waiting for a transplant. Copyright 1995-2001 Baxter Healthcare Corporation.