Facts About Blood
WHAT ARE THE BLOOD COMPONENTS?
When you donate blood, the blood is tested, typed, and stored at Shepeard Community Blood Center until it is shipped to a local hospital. Whole blood is made up of three vital components—red blood cells, plasma, and platelets—each playing a unique role in saving lives.
RED BLOOD CELLS
Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes or simply red cells, contain a protein called hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin is what allows red cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues and remove carbon dioxide.
In addition to being a transport molecule, hemoglobin is also a pigment—it’s what gives red blood cells their distinctive color and name.
PLASMA
Plasma is the liquid portion of blood, making up about half of its total volume.
It contains no blood cells and, unlike serum, it hasn’t gone through the clotting process. Plasma plays a vital role in the body. It carries antibodies, clotting factors, and other essential proteins that help fight infection and support healing.
PLATELETS
Platelets are small, disc-shaped fragments in the blood that play a crucial role in clotting.
When bleeding occurs, platelets quickly gather at the site of injury and clump together to help stop the bleeding. Platelets are in high demand for local cancer patients and have the shortest shelf life of only 5 days, making regular donations essential to maintain a steady, reliable supply for those in need.
WHAT ARE THE BLOOD TYPES?
Every blood type is essential, and all are needed to keep a stable blood supply available for local patients in need.
Connected. Empowered. Uplifted.
That’s how donating blood makes you feel!
There’s a natural boost in mood that comes from giving. It’s kindness in action. You feel part of something bigger—your community, your neighbors, a lifesaving mission.
You walk away knowing you’ve done something that truly matters.
