Whole blood
A Red Cross whole blood donation
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Whole blood (WB) is human blood from a standard blood donation. It is used in the treatment of massive bleeding, in exchange transfusion, and when people donate blood to themselves. One unit brings up hemoglobin levels by about 10 g/L.Cross matching is typically done before the blood is given. It is given by injection into a vein.
Side effects include allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, red blood cell breakdown, high blood potassium, infection, volume overload, and lung injury. Whole blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and blood plasma. It is best within a day of collection; however, can be used for up to three weeks. The blood is typically combined with an anticoagulant and preservative during the collection process.
The first transfusion of whole blood was in 1818; however, common use did not begin until the First and Second World War. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. In the 1980s the cost of whole blood was about 50 USD per unit in the United States. Whole blood is no longer commonly used outside of the developing world and military. It is used to make a number of blood products including packed red blood cells, platelet concentrate, cryoprecipitate, and fresh frozen plasma.
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