The Sickle Cell Foundation 
of Orange County

About Blood Donations

• One donation can help multiple patients. Following collection, red blood cells, plasma and platelets are separated, stored and distributed separately.

• Blood cannot be manufactured – it can only come from generous donors.

• Blood is composed of 3 main components: red cells, plasma and platelets.

• Most donated red blood cells must be used within 42 days of collection.

• 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.

• Platelets are especially in need by cancer patients and must be used within 5 days of collection. New donations are continuously in need.

• 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.

• 1 in 7 people entering the hospital will need a blood transfusion.

• Less than 10% of the population eligible to donate blood actually does so.

• Every 2 seconds someone needs blood.

• 1 in 7 hospital patients needs blood.

• Blood makes up about 8% of the human body.