American Red Cross
Since 1881, the American Red Cross has aided victims of natural disasters and empowered people to respond to emergencies and help others. It also supports military members and their families; collects, processes and distributes blood; offers community services for the needy; provides international relief and development; and teaches preparedness and health & safety courses such as first aid/CPR.
Answers (500+)
What are plasma derivatives?
Plasma derivatives are concentrates of specific plasma proteins
prepared from pools (many donor... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
What are the elements of blood?
Each element of blood performs a special function in the body. The
main elements of blood include... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
What is meant by whole blood?
Whole blood is living tissue circulating through the heart,
arteries, veins, and capillaries... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
What is meant by pre-storage leukocyte-reduced red blood cells?
This form of red blood cells (RBCs) requires special preparation by
removing leukocytes (white... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
What is cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor (Cryo)?
Cryoprecipitated Antihemophilic Factor (“Cryoprecipitate” or
“Cryo”) is a... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
How are platelets obtained for transfusion?
Platelets are prepared by using a centrifuge to separate the
platelet-rich plasma from the donated... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
Why would an individual need a platelet transfusion?
Platelets are used to treat a condition called thrombocytopenia, in
which there is a shortage of... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
What is apheresis?
Apheresis is the process by which platelets and other blood
components are collected from a donor.... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
How often can I donate platelets?
An individual can give up to 24 apheresis platelet donations each
year. Apheresis platelet donors... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
Why would an individual need a white blood cell transfusion?
White blood cells help fight infection. Individuals with a low
white blood cell count, who are at... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
What are the different blood groups?
Nearly all people belong to one of the four major groups in the ABO
blood typing system: A, B, AB,... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
What is meant by the Rh (rhesus factor)?
Most people have an inherited antigen on their red blood cells
known as Rh, or D antigen. When the... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
Who discovered blood groups?
Karl Landsteiner will always be honored for his discovery of blood
groups. In 1901, he showed that... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
What is meant by a universal blood donor?
Individuals with the blood group O Rh negative are called
“universal donors” because... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
Do blood groups have anything to do with ethnicity?
Some blood groups are more prominent in certain ethnic groups. For
example, about 60 percent of the... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
Why is my hemoglobin and/or hematocrit checked before giving blood?
Hematocrit and hemoglobin measurements are blood tests. Hemoglobin
enables red cells to transport... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
What can I do to increase hemoglobin/hematocrit levels before donation?
If a donor’s low hemoglobin/hematocrit is due to low iron, he or
she can replenish iron... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
Why am I asked personal questions when I give blood?
We all need a safe blood supply. We need to make sure it is safe
for a donor to donate blood and... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
What happens to my donated blood?
When you donate blood to the Red Cross, you’ll give enough blood to
fill a blood bag plus... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
What tests are administered to ensure safe blood is given to patients?
After blood is donated, it is tested in a laboratory to ensure it
is safe for transfusions. Tests... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
What is the nucleic acid test (NAT)?
The nucleic acid test (NAT) system can detect the presence of
bacteria and viruses (e.g. human... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
Could I get HIV from donating blood?
No. The Red Cross uses a needle only once and then disposes of it.
Sterile procedures and... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
Could I get HIV from receiving blood?
According to the latest medical research, the chance of receiving
an HIV-infected transfusion is... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
Will I be tested for HIV when I donate blood?
The Red Cross performs laboratory tests on blood products to
qualify the products for transfusion... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
If blood tests positive for HIV during blood donation, will I be informed?
Yes. Donors that are confirmed positive for any infectious disease
are notified and have the... More >
Answered By: American Red Cross
