What To Expect When Donating Blood

Blood circulates throughout the entire body and helps to maintain life. Oxygen, nutrients, heat, hormones, and electrolytes are transported to body tissues by the blood, and it is also responsible for carrying waste and carbon dioxide away from tissues. Blood is comprised of platelets, plasma, white blood cells, and red blood cells. In the United States, more than twenty million transfusions of donated blood are given every year. Blood transfusions are often required in cases where patients have experienced trauma such as a car accident or a severe injury, and they are sometimes needed for individuals who are giving birth or having major surgery. In fact, one out of every seven hospital patients will need a blood transfusion, and regular transfusions may be required for patients with conditions such as anemia, cancer, and kidney disease. Since blood cannot be stored for a long time, an active, large donor pool is required to maintain a sufficient blood supply for transfusions.