A blood donation occurs when a person voluntarily has blood drawn and used for transfusions. source
A blood donation occurs when a person voluntarily has blood drawn and used for transfusions.
A blood donation made into biopharmaceutical medications by a process called fractionation (separation of whole-blood components). source
A blood donation made into biopharmaceutical medications by a process called fractionation (separation of whole-blood components).
Donation may be of whole blood (WB), or of specific components directly (the latter called apheresis). source
Donation may be of whole blood (WB), or of specific components directly (the latter called apheresis).
Blood banks often participate in the collection process as well as the procedures that follow it. source
Blood banks often participate in the collection process as well as the procedures that follow it.
Today in the developed world, most blood donors are unpaid volunteers who donate blood for a community supply. source
Today in the developed world, most blood donors are unpaid volunteers who donate blood for a community supply.
In poorer countries, established supplies are limited and donors usually give blood when family or friends need a transfusion (directed donation). source
In poorer countries, established supplies are limited and donors usually give blood when family or friends need a transfusion (directed donation).
Donors can have blood drawn for their own future use (autologous donation). Donating is relatively safe. source
Donors can have blood drawn for their own future use (autologous donation). Donating is relatively safe.
Some donors have bruising where the needle is inserted or may feel faint. source
Some donors have bruising where the needle is inserted or may feel faint.
Potential donors are evaluated for anything that might make their blood unsafe to use. source
Potential donors are evaluated for anything that might make their blood unsafe to use.
The donor must also answer questions about medical history and take a short physical examination to make sure the donation is not hazardous to his or her health. source
The donor must also answer questions about medical history and take a short physical examination to make sure the donation is not hazardous to his or her health.
The amount of blood drawn and the methods vary. source
The amount of blood drawn and the methods vary.
Most of the components of blood used for transfusions have a short shelf life, and maintaining a constant supply is a persistent problem. source
Most of the components of blood used for transfusions have a short shelf life, and maintaining a constant supply is a persistent problem.
Blood donations are divided into groups based on who will receive the collected blood. source
Blood donations are divided into groups based on who will receive the collected blood.
An 'allogeneic' (also called 'homologous') donation is when a donor gives blood for storage at a blood bank for transfusion to an unknown recipient. source
An 'allogeneic' (also called 'homologous') donation is when a donor gives blood for storage at a blood bank for transfusion to an unknown recipient.
In this case, a friend or family member of the recipient donates blood to replace the stored blood used in a transfusion, ensuring a consistent supply. source
In this case, a friend or family member of the recipient donates blood to replace the stored blood used in a transfusion, ensuring a consistent supply.