Whole blood
Whole Blood
Whole blood (pronounced: /hoʊl blʌd/) is a term used in medicine and hematology to describe the complete blood product, unseparated and with all its main components intact - red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
Etymology
The term "whole blood" originates from the Old English words "hal" (whole) and "blod" (blood), signifying the complete, unseparated blood as it is in the body.
Definition
Whole blood is the most complete blood product available for transfusions. It contains all the components of blood in the same ratio as is found naturally in the body. This includes red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues; white blood cells, which fight infections; platelets, which are involved in clotting; and plasma, the liquid portion of blood which carries nutrients, hormones, and waste products.
Related Terms
- Red blood cells: These are the most abundant cells in the blood. They are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
- White blood cells: These cells are part of the immune system and function in defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials.
- Platelets: Also known as thrombocytes, these are tiny blood cells that help your body form clots to stop bleeding.
- Plasma: This is the liquid component of blood, in which the blood cells are suspended. It makes up about 55% of the body's total blood volume.
Usage in Medicine
In medicine, whole blood transfusions are used in a variety of situations, including trauma, surgery, and conditions where the patient's blood volume or number of blood components is critically low. It is also used for exchange transfusion in newborns with severe jaundice or hemolytic disease.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Whole blood
- Wikipedia's article - Whole blood
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