Time, temperature, and storage are imperative to saving lives. By donating blood many different types of transfusions can occur. Once a person donates blood, they can literally save someone’s life. Red blood transfusions are used for people during surgery, and for people who are anemic. Anemia is the disorder of low iron, or low B12 in a person’s system. Blood can be stored for 42 days at a time. Plasma, is a protein used when blood clots. Once donated, plasma can be frozen and saved for a year. Cryoprecipitate are the fraction of plasma that separates out when plasma is frozen and rethawed. It can be compared to oil and water in a salad dressing. The shelf life of this clotting agent is important for patients who need it. Platelets are also important to the clotting development. Platelets are universal, unlike blood types, and can be used on any type of person. White blood cells are helpful in fighting against infections. They attack any bacteria or virus that uses blood as a host. People on chemotherapy usually have a low white blood cell count and can use these transfusions during the cancer process.
