Understanding the Unique Bouquet of Blood Products
When you donate a unit of blood, it’s separated into several life-saving components. It’s like a florist creating a diverse bouquet from many different flowers. Learn what your donation can become.
Many people think a blood donation is used as a single unit of whole blood. In reality, it’s more like a florist creating a custom bouquet. Your single donation is separated into multiple, specialized products, each with its own purpose and “shelf life.
The Red Rose: Red Blood Cells
- Purpose: Carry oxygen to vital organs and tissues.
- Used For: Trauma, surgery, anemia.
- Shelf Life: Up to 42 day
The White Lily: Platelets
- Purpose: Help with clotting to prevent or stop bleeding.
- Used For: Cancer patients, organ transplants, major surgery.
- Shelf Life: Only 5-7 days (This is why constant donation is crucial!).
The Forget-Me-Not: Plasma
- Purpose: Contains proteins and antibodies to support clotting and immunity.
- Used For: Burn victims, shock, liver disease.
- Shelf Life: Can be frozen for up to one year.
The Blue Iris: Cryoprecipitate
- Purpose: A specialized clotting factor derived from plasma.
- Used For: Treating hemophilia and controlling serious bleeding.
- So, your one donation doesn’t just save one life—it can help multiple patients in need, creating a full, life-saving bouquet.
