Blood transports nutrient. Blood consists of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells receive oxygen from the lungs and deliver it throughout the body. Red cells are produced in the bone marrow. White blood cells identify and attack infections.
Platelets control bleeding by attaching to an injured surface and forming a clot.
Some facts about iron Your hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein, will be checked each time you come to donate blood. This is done to protect both you and the patient who receives your blood. Don't be discouraged if you are temporarily deferred due to low hemoglobin. Increase your iron intake, and you can try donating again in about a week. Iron is part of hemoglobin, a protein that gives blood its red color.