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The components of blood |
• Red blood cells (erythrocytes) carry oxygen from the lungs to all the tissues in the body. When there is a lack of red blood cells (anaemia), the vital organs do not receive enough oxygen. In this case, red blood cell concentrate must be given.
• Platelets play a role in blood clotting, and prevent secondary haemorrhaging of the small lesions that often occur in arteries, veins and capillaries. A lack of platelets (thrombocytopenia), which is common in patients with blood disorders (leukaemias) and after certain cancer treatments, causes the onset of serious haemorrhaging. The first-line treatment in these cases is transfusion of platelet concentrates.
• Plasma, which is the liquid part of blood and consists of water and proteins (coagulants, antibodies, albumin), used in many of the body's basic metabolic processes: blood clotting, immunity and carrying various substances and medicines. Plasma is used to make specific protein concentrates for treating various illnesses: haemophilia and other coagulation disorders, immunodeficiencies with the risk of multiple, serious infections, thrombosis, etc.
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