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There are four types of transfusable products that can be derived from blood: red cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate. Typically, two or three of these are produced from a pint of donated whole blood. A single donation can potentially help more than one patient. Donors can give either whole blood or specific blood components only. The process of donating specific blood components – red cells, plasma or platelets – is called apheresis. One transfusion dose of platelets can be obtained through one apheresis donation of platelets or by combining the platelets derived from five whole blood donations. Most donated red blood cells must be used within 42 days of collection. Donated platelets must be used within five days of collection – new donations are constantly needed. Plasma and cryoprecipitate are stored in frozen state and can be used for up to one year after collection. Healthy bone marrow makes a constant supply of red cells, plasma and platele...