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American Red Cross

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 >
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What are the elements of blood?

Each element of blood performs a special function in the body. The main elements of blood include... More >
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What is meant by whole blood?

Whole blood is living tissue circulating through the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries... More >
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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 >
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What is cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor (Cryo)?

Cryoprecipitated Antihemophilic Factor (“Cryoprecipitate” or “Cryo”) is a... More >
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How are platelets obtained for transfusion?

Platelets are prepared by using a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the donated... More >
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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 >
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What is apheresis?

Apheresis is the process by which platelets and other blood components are collected from a donor.... More >
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How often can I donate platelets?

An individual can give up to 24 apheresis platelet donations each year. Apheresis platelet donors... More >
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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 >
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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 >
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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 >
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Who discovered blood groups?

Karl Landsteiner will always be honored for his discovery of blood groups. In 1901, he showed that... More >
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What is meant by a universal blood donor?

Individuals with the blood group O Rh negative are called “universal donors” because... More >
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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 >
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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 >
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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 >
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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 >
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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 >
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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 >
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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 >
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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 >
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Could I get HIV from receiving blood?

According to the latest medical research, the chance of receiving an HIV-infected transfusion is... More >
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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 >
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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 >
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