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| Whole Blood |
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| The blood in its natural state is called whole blood. This form of blood is rarely used for transfusion. The whole blood is separated into its components for further use in the transfusion process. |
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| Plasma |
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| Though blood appears to be red in color, but in fact this red color is only because of red blood cells. Extract these red colored pigments (and other cellular components) and you’re left with straw-colored fluid called ‘plasma’. This fluid carries all blood cells and other substances like Albumin, Clotting factors, Immunoglobulin. It makes up about 50 to 60 percent of the total volume of blood. |
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| Red Blood cells |
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| It is usually associated with ‘blood’ (i.e., its red color). Its main function is to transport oxygen to body tissues and carry back carbon dioxide from body tissues, via a substance called hemoglobin. These cells are widely used to replace blood during surgery, or when people hemorrhage. Red blood cells are also called Erythrocytes. |
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| White Blood cells |
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They are just like a ready-made army who stands against any viruses or infections that threaten your system. Also called leukocytes, these fight harmful substances that invade the body. These cells are used for patients suffering from life-threatening infections and whose normal defense mechanisms don’t seem to respond to antibiotics. |
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| Platelets |
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| These tiny cells are essential to stop bleeding and bruising by helping your blood to clot. These cells are made in the bone marrow and released into the blood stream. If a blood vessel is damaged, platelets will become glued together at the site of the damage to form a platelet plug. Bone marrow failure, post transplant, chemotherapy treatments and leukemia are all instances where platelets transfusion is needed. |
