Whole blood is the blood as it naturally flows through the veins, containing all its components together: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. It is the complete, unseparated form of blood
. Composition:
- Red blood cells: carry oxygen to tissues
- White blood cells: fight infections
- Platelets: help with blood clotting
- Plasma: the liquid part that transports cells and nutrients
Uses:
- Whole blood can be transfused directly, especially in cases of massive blood loss or trauma where all components are needed simultaneously
- More commonly, whole blood donations are separated into components (red cells, plasma, platelets) to treat different patients according to their specific needs
- It is used in treatments such as exchange transfusions and autologous transfusions (donating blood for oneself)
Storage and Donation:
- One unit of whole blood is about 450 mL (roughly a pint)
- It can be stored refrigerated for up to three weeks with anticoagulants and preservatives added during collection
- Donors can give whole blood every 56 days, up to six times a year
In summary, whole blood is the complete blood containing all cellular and plasma components, used either directly in transfusions or separated into parts for targeted medical treatments
