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How Is Blood Used?

Typically, each unit of whole blood is separated into three components, or "products":

  • Red blood cells for bleeding and anemia (shelf life: 42 days).
  • Platelets for bleeding and low platelet counts (shelf life: 5 days).
  • Plasma to provide clotting factors (shelf life: can be frozen up to 1 year).

Some of the more common uses for blood are: surgeries, transplants, trauma patients, premature infants, and ongoing treatment for diseases like cancer and sickle cell anemia.


Following are some situations in which blood is needed, followed by how much of it is needed:

Accident Victims—usually between 4 and 100+ units, depending on the injury.

Orthopedics (hip replacement or surgery)—usually between two and eight units.

Open Heart Surgery—between two and eight units (can be much more in the event of complications).

Neurosurgery (spinal/brain surgery)—regularly two to four units.

Premature Babies—one donation can transfuse up to four babies, who sometimes receive blood once a day until they are strong enough to go home.

Burns

Aneurysm