Whole blood donation

For a whole blood donation 450 to 500ml (± 10%) of blood is abstracted from an arm vein. Then the blood is separated by means of centrifugation into its components (plasma, erythrocytes), stored and when needed transfused to a patient. Erythrocytes are storable as erythrocyte concentrates for 5 weeks at 4° C. The plasma must be stored at least 6 months at temperatures below -30° C; after this period renewed tests of the donor for infectious diseases take place and only when these results are negativ, the plasma can be transfused to the patient.
(Source: University Clinic Würzburg, department for transfusion medicine and immune haematology)

Selected information about Whole blood donation:

Tables:

• Blood donations, production
• Blood products, consumption

Definitions:

• Apheresis

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