How blood is used

Blood or the components of blood are used to treat patients with medical conditions such as anaemia, cancer blood disorders, and those having surgery.

Blood Components

Blood is made up of a number of components, including red blood cells, platelets and plasma. Each of these can be used to treat many different conditions. Blood is usually separated into its individual components or parts, so a patient can be given the particular component they need.

This makes the most of every blood donation, as the components in one unit of blood (or one donation) can be used to treat different patients.

Blood Transfusions

Donated blood or components are given to a patient in a blood transfusion. Blood transfusions are given via an intravenous line into a blood vessel.

How blood is used in hospitals:

• used to treat medical conditions including anaemia, cancer and blood disorders
• used in surgery, including cardiac surgery and emergency surgery
• used to treat blood loss after childbirth and RTA

Usage varies between hospitals depending on their particular specialties.
UBTS Blood and Transplant works closely with hospitals to make sure valuable blood donations are used appropriately. The demand for blood from hospitals has fallen due to increased efficiency, but new donors are always needed to make sure there is enough blood to treat those who need it.