Packed red blood cells Whereas in high-income countries, most blood transfusions are given to people over 65 years of age (up to 76%). In these countries transfusion are most commonly used for supportive care in heart surgery, transplant surgery, massive trauma, and therapy for solid and blood cancers. Due to changes in surgical practices, medical use of blood is now the major use of red blood cells in high-income countries. Blood transfusion is typically recommended when hemoglobin levels reach 70 g/L (7 g/dL) in those who have stable vital signs. For those with heart disease it is recommended at 80g/L (8 g/dL). RBCs are
Blood donation in England and each donation usually gives two or three adult doses. One adult dose of platelets would otherwise require four whole blood donations. Blood is made in the bone marrow. It is composed of red blood cells, platelets, plasma and white blood cells, collectively referred to as blood components. Donations given at regular blood donation sessions are referred to as "Whole Blood". Platelets are very small cells. They work with the clotting factors in plasma to form a mesh "plug" to stop or prevent bleeding. Plasma is the fluid part of the blood. It contains protein, salts and clotting factors. White