Whole Blood Donation

The blood that runs through your veins is considered whole blood. One pint of blood is collected during a whole blood donation. It can be used for transfusion or its components can be separated later in the blood processing center or laboratory. It's the most common type of donation, and offers most flexibility in its use.

Whole blood can be used to help patients with: Images of people

  • cancer
  • traumatic injury / massive bleeding
  • blood disorders, like anemia
  • the need for surgery

When separated into red blood cells, platelets and plasma, one whole blood donation can save up to three lives. When looking at the components of whole blood and how each perform to keep us healthy, it's easy to see how much blood donations are necessary to improve patient health.

Whole blood includes:

  • Red blood cells — rich in iron to produce hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from your lungs to your body's tissues.
  • White blood cells — contain lymphocytes, which as part of our immune system, fight infections.
  • Platelets — form the blood clotting necessary to slow or stop blood flow from an injury. In patients, a low platelet count is serious and can be life threatening.
  • Plasma — made up of 90% water, plasma carries blood cells and platelets, and transports antibodies, nutrients, hormones and enzymes throughout your body.

To schedule a donation appointment, visit rwjuhdonorclub.org or call (732) 235-8100, ext. 221 or 248.

Please bring a valid photo ID and remember to eat and drink before donating.