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The components of blood

Red blood cells (erythrocytes), carry oxygen from the lungs to all the tissues in the body. When there is a lack of red blood cells (anaemia), the vital organs do not receive enough oxygen. In this case, red blood cell concentrate must be given.
Platelets play a role in blood clotting, and prevent secondary haemorrhaging of the small lesions that often occur in arteries, veins and capillaries. A lack of platelets (thrombocytopenia), which is common in patients with blood disorders (leukaemias) and after certain cancer treatments, causes the onset of serious haemorrhaging.The first-line treatment in these cases is transfusion of platelet concentrates.
Plasma, which is the liquid part of blood and consists of water and proteins (coagulants, antibodies, albumin), used in many of the body's basic metabolic processes: blood clotting, immunity and carrying various substances and medicines. Plasma is used to make specific protein concentrates for treating various illnesses: haemophilia and other coagulation disorders, immunodeficiencies with the risk of multiple, serious infections, thrombosis, etc.

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