Blood Facts

General Blood Info

• Blood makes up about 7% of your body's weight.
• A newborn baby has about one cup (8 ounces) of blood in his or her body.
• There are four main blood types: A, B, AB and O. AB is the “universal recipient” and O negative is the “universal donor”.
• Shortages of all types of blood donations most often occur during summer and winter holidays.
• Giving blood will not decrease your strength.
• You cannot get AIDS or any other infectious disease by donating blood.

The Need for Blood

• More than 4.5 million patients need life-saving blood transfusions each year in the U.S. and Canada
• 43,000 pints of donated blood are used each day in the U.S. and Canada.
• Every two seconds, someone needs blood
• On average, one out of every 7 people entering the hospital will need blood.
• Blood banks often run short of type O and B blood.
• The average red-cell transfusion amounts to 2.7 pints.

Reasons People Need Blood

• Cancer
• Surgery
• Heart and blood vessel disease
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
• Emergencies (accidental injuries, burns, etc.)

Blood Components

• Blood is composed of four main components: Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
• Blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. Vertebrae, ribs, pelvis, skull, and sternum are especially productive cell factories.
• A pint of donated blood is separated in the lab into components to be transfused individually based on need.

Red Blood Cells

• Disc-shaped cells that contain iron-rich hemoglobin that delivers oxygen throughout the body.
• Characteristic red color comes from hemoglobin.
• Can be stored for 42 days after donation.

White Blood Cells

• Larger than red blood cells and can leave the blood stream to reach other tissues.
• Function as part of the immune system by attacking foreign cells and particles. 

Platelets

• Small, irregular cells that help control bleeding.
• Form clusters to plug small holes in blood vessels and help clotting process.
• Can be stored for only 5 days after donation.

Plasma 

• A pale yellow mixture of water, proteins, and salts that makes up the liquid portion of the blood.
• Circulates the other cells as well as nutrients, enzymes, and hormones. 
• Can be frozen and stored up to a year after donation.