What is different between whole blood and blood components transfusion?

Blood may be transfused as ‘whole blood’ or as one of its many components. Up to four components may be derived from one unit of blood:

 - red blood cells

- plasma

- platelets

- cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor (AHF)

Since patients seldom require all of the components of whole blood, it makes sense to transfuse only that portion of blood needed by the patient for a specific condition or disease. This treatment, referred to as “blood component therapy,” allows several patients to benefit from one unit of donated whole blood.