The Sickle Cell Foundation
of Orange County

"LIVING BY DESIGN, NOT BY DIAGNOSIS"

About Blood Donations
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One donation can help multiple patients. Following collection, red blood cells, plasma and platelets are separated, stored and distributed separately.
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Blood cannot be manufactured – it can only come from generous donors.
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Blood is composed of 3 main components: red cells, plasma and platelets.
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Most donated red blood cells must be used within 42 days of collection.
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Apheresis is a mode of collection that allows a donor to give only the specific blood component that is in need by patients, such as platelets.
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Platelets are especially in need by cancer patients and must be used within 5 days of collection. New donations are continuously in need.
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All blood types are needed to help patients; the need for type O negative is especially acute. Only 7% of U.S. residents have “universal” blood.
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1 in 7 people entering the hospital will need a blood transfusion.
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Less than 10% of the population eligible to donate blood actually does so.
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Every 2 seconds someone needs blood.
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1 in 7 hospital patients needs blood.
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Blood makes up about 8% of the human body.
