Facts About Blood

Every three seconds someone needs blood.
One out of every four people entering a hospital needs blood.
Approximately 35,000 units of blood are used each day in the United States.
Just one pint of donated blood can help save lives.
The average adult has 10 pints of blood in his or her body.
There are four main blood types; A, B, AB, and O.
One unit of blood can be separated into several components (red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate).
Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow and transport oxygen to body tissue. The body replaces red blood cells approximately six weeks after donation. Refrigerated red cells can last up to 42 days.
Plasma makes up 55% of blood volume and transports blood cells, clotting proteins, nutrients, and antibodies. The body replaces plasma within 24 hours of donation. Frozen plasma can be stored up to one year.
Platelets are made in the bone marrow. The body replaces platelets within 72 hours of donation. Platelets are always in demand as they have a shelf life of five days.
People who have been in car accidents and suffered massive blood loss can need transfusions of 50 units or more of red blood cells. Anemic patients need blood transfusions to increase their iron levels.
Cancer, transplant and trauma patients, and patients undergoing open-heart surgery require platelet transfusions to survive. The average bone marrow transplant requires 120 units of platelets and about 20 units of red blood cells. Severe burn victims can use 20 units of platelets during their treatment.
Apheresis is a special kind of blood donation that allows a donor to donate platelets or plasma.
60% of the US population is eligible to donate – only 5% do on a yearly basis.
There is no substitute for human blood.