Blood components

The collection of blood from volunteer donors is done manually and also by automated apheresis devices. Donors are given relevant information about the collection process and testing performed and sign a consent form. If the donor is qualified to donate, a collection is performed, and the unit may be further processed to obtain red cells, plasma, and platelets following strict good manufacturing practices if the donation was whole blood. Testing for RBC alloantibodies, ABO type, and infectious diseases is performed; other testing such as HLA and neutrophil antibodies may be added. Units are stored at determined conditions and transfused as appropriate. Modifications such as leukoreduction, irradiation, and washing are performed routinely or according to clinical need.