How blood is used

In this section we're going to take a look at all the different ways blood can be used, and just how important and worthwhile a fluid it is. And seeing as they usually split blood up into four separate components, we will too.

Whole blood

This is rarely used these days, only really in instances of severe blood loss. Instead it's almost always separated into its individual components.

Red cells

These are used in the treatment of all kinds of anaemia which can't be medically corrected, such as when rheumatoid arthritis or cancer is involved, when red cells break down in the newborn, and for sickle cell disease.

They're also essential to replace lost red cells after such things as accidents, surgery and after childbirth, not to mention pre-op 'top-ups' for existing anaemic patients and for burn victims.

Platelets

Bone marrow failure and post transplant and chemotherapy treatments, and leukaemia. These are all instances when platelets can be of huge benefit to the recipient.

Plasma

Fresh frozen plasma is used after obstetric loss of blood (which is usually childbirth), during cardiac surgery, and to reverse any anti-coagulant treatment.

It's also used to replace clotting factors after massive transfusions or when they're not being sufficiently produced, such as liver disease.

And then there's processed plasma.

Factor VIII is used in the treatment of haemophilia.

Factor IX is used for treating sufferers of Christmas disease, which might sound like a more pleasant illness than most, but is actually a life-threatening form of haemophilia. Processed plasma is also used to help produce stronger antibodies against diseases like tetanus, hepatitis, chickenpox and rabies.

It also helps generate anti-D which is used for Rh negative pregnant women carrying Rh positive babies. While the albumin contained in plasma is extremely beneficial for burn victims.

Want to know what the top 10 uses of blood are?

Why blood is vital even for the dying

Everyone knows blood is literally a lifesaver for those who’ve been in an accident or need it to help survive treatments and operations. But for some, whose illness has no cure and that last battle they face just can’t be won, a blood transfusion can help to improve their quality of life during their final months, weeks or even days.

Karen Clarke, a Community Nurse who gives transfusions to the terminally ill in their own homes, says, "These vital transfusions give patients a better quality of life. It gives them the energy and ability to enjoy this precious, final time with their families."

But this time is often a gift that only blood can provide. In some serious accidents, its use can mean that a critically ill patient can stay alive long enough for their loved ones to reach the hospital to see them, one last time. Priceless.