What are the different components that are taken from blood? How do they help people?
The pint of blood you donate will be separated into three components; red blood cells, plasma and platelets. If needed, two additional components may be made from a pint of blood: cryoprecipitate and white blood cells. The blood components are then stored until it is needed. Patients only receive the blood components that their body lacks. Some patients, such as cancer patients, may only need platelets. Burn patients may need plasma. Patients that have lost a great deal of blood due to trauma injuries, transplants or major surgery may require transfusions of all blood components.
