Blood Basics
A living tissue, our blood delivers oxygen to our organs, fights infections and prevents us from bleeding excessively when a blood vessel is damaged.
Our red and white blood cells and platelets are created in the soft, squishy material found inside our bones, called bone marrow. They make up about half the solid substances found in our blood, which travels through our bodys arteries and veins. The other half of our blood consists of a yellowish liquid called plasma, which carries red blood cells, nutrients, proteins, hormones and waste products.
Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that releases oxygen to tissues as it travels in our blood vessels. White blood cells travel in and out of our bloodstream to fight germs, while platelets work with substances called clotting factors to keep us from bleeding to death when we are injured.
With more than a gallon of blood circulating in our body, we can be affected by more than a dozen blood disorders, such as anemia and hemophilia.
Recently Answered
- Q What medications prevent people from donating blood?
-
In almost all cases, medications will not disqualify you as a blood donor. Your eligibility will be based on the reason that the medication was prescribed. As long as the condition is under control and you are healthy, blood donation is usually... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Do I have to wait to donate blood if I have just had surgery?
-
Donors are deferred until their surgical wounds have healed. The underlying condition that precipitated the surgery requires evaluation before donation. Evaluation is on a case by case basis. You should discuss your particular situation with the health... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Can I donate blood if I have asthma?
-
If you have asthma, you may donate blood as long as you are not having difficulty breathing at the time of donation and you otherwise feel well. Medications for asthma do not disqualify you from donating. Guidelines on eligibility to give blood change... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Can I donate blood if I am pregnant or I am nursing?
-
Persons who are pregnant are not eligible to donate. You must wait 6 weeks after giving birth. Guidelines on eligibility to give blood change from time to time. The most up-to-date eligibility information can be obtained by contacting the American Red... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How long can cord blood be stored?
-
No one knows the answer yet, although at present and under proper conditions, it seems it may be forever. Since 1992, the collection and storage of cord blood for later use has increased in popularity. In many areas, there are private and public... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Are certain blood types more difficult to match for a transplant?
-
If the recipient is of the ‘O’ blood type, they require an ‘O’ donor. ‘O’ donors are universal donors and can give to anyone. Therefore, it will be more difficult to find a compatible donor for the sensitized... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Why can’t men who have sex with men donate blood?
-
The United States blood donor exclusion policy for men who have had sex with men (MSM) was drafted in the early 1980’s when there was no testing available to detect HIV. On March 9, 2006, the AABB (formerly known as the American Association of... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Can lesbians donate blood if they do not have other risk factors?
-
Yes, lesbians can donate blood if they do not have other risk factors. Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Can I donate blood if I am taking birth control?
-
Women on oral contraceptives or using other forms of birth control are eligible to donate. Guidelines on eligibility to give blood change from time to time. The most up-to-date eligibility information can be obtained by contacting the American Red... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Can I donate blood if I had acupuncture?
-
Those who have undergone acupuncture treatments, if otherwise eligible to donate blood, may donate blood. Guidelines on eligibility to give blood change from time to time. The most up-to-date eligibility information can be obtained by contacting... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
