Whole Blood Donation

We prepare 3 to 4 transfusion preparations from each whole blood collection:

• red blood cell concentrate (erythrocytes),
• platelet concentrate (platelets),
• plasma
• white blood cell concentrate (granulocytes).

Red blood cells carry oxygen and carbon dioxide, form in the bone marrow, and live in circulation for 120 days. They are prepared for patients with a severe deficiency of red blood cells, which may result from bleeding, various diseases or chemotherapy. The shelf life of erythrocytes is 5-6 weeks.

Plasma is the liquid component of the blood, it contains water, proteins, sugars and minerals, it is renewed within 2-3 days. It represents a source of substances needed to ensure blood clotting. It is mainly prepared for patients with serious bleeding disorders, bleeding disorders and some blood diseases, when it cannot be replaced by other preparations. Plasma is kept frozen for up to three years.

Platelets are the blood components involved in blood clotting, they are formed in the bone marrow and circulate for only 7-10 days. They are prepared for patients with severe platelet deficiency. The shelf life of platelets is 5 days. Platelets from 4 to 5 whole blood collections are needed for one treatment dose.

White blood cells (granulocytes) are blood components that are prepared for patients with severe white blood cell deficiency and difficult to manage infectious complications. The shelf life of white blood cells is 24 hours. Granulocytes from 6-8 whole blood collections are required per treatment dose.