Donors should be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good health. Most medications will not prevent someone from giving blood. The role of blood in emergency situations is better known than its uses in the daily treatment of cancer, leukemia, kidney disease, and sickle cell anemia. Blood also plays a major part in treating bleeding disorders, severe burns, as well as, organ transplant procedures and other major surgeries. 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.