Blood and Platelet Information

Blood and Platelet Information

Transplant surgery often requires the use of not only red blood cells, but plasma and platelets as well. As organ transplantation becomes increasingly common and complex, the demand on our nation's blood supply to support these surgeries have grown. There are currently more than 100,000 patients in the United States waiting for an organ transplant.

Facts About Blood Donation

* The shelf life of blood is very limited and can not be stockpiled that is why there is always a constant need for fresh donations.

* Each pint of blood donated has the potential to save up to three patients.

* Only 5 percent of the American people give blood.

* To give blood, you have to be at least 110 pounds and 16 or 17 years old depending on your state.

* You are able to give whole blood every 8 weeks.

Facts About Platelet Donation

* Platelets are the tiny, precious cell fragments that clump together to help stop bleeding.
Platelet donation is a type of blood donation that collects platelets.

* Platelets are used to help patients who suffer with cancer, leukemia, or other blood disorders. These patients depend on platelet transfusions to live. Platelets are detroyed during chemotherapy and radiation therapy and so patients undergoing these treatments need platelet transfusions to help prevent bleeding episodes.

To find a blood donation center visit www.givelife.org

**This information came from: www.Newenglandblood.org