Mayo Clinic Minute: Breaking down different types of blood donations

Blood contains several components — red cells, platelets and plasma — that can offer different benefits to patients in need. The most common type of donation is a whole blood donation.

During plasma and platelet donations, donors are hooked up to a machine which separates blood components and returns unused components to the donor.

Plasma is commonly given to people in emergency and trauma situations to help stop bleeding. In a platelet donation, the only cells collected are the those that help with clotting. Platelets are commonly given to people with cancer or someone having major surgery.

Dr. Juskewitch says donating blood products doesn't just benefit patients in need, it also benefits those who give.
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