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Capsule moment, giving blood

About once every 60 seconds, someone in Canada receives blood or a blood product.  We always refer to donating a “pint” of blood which would be 570 ml in the metric system.  However, the actual volume of a donation of blood is 450ml.

Just out of interest, the least common blood type is AB negative. found in less than 1% of Canadians and ironically, people with this blood type are universal recipients…able to receive any type of blood.  The most common blood type is

O positive where 39% have that type. If you have an O negative blood type, you are a “universal donor” meaning that your blood can be transfused into people with any of the other blood type. 

A blood donation is made up of 55% plasma, 40-45% red blood cells and about 1% platelets and white blood cells.  Donated blood is perishable and the blood can be broken down into its components so they can be used in special medical situations.  Red cells will last about 42 days; platelets about 5 days and plasma can be frozen for future use.

If you give “a pint” of blood through Canadian Blood Services (and we encourage you to do this regularly if you are able), your body will replenish that volume of blood within 24-48 hours.  But it will take up to 8 weeks to make up the platelets component of the blood.  That’s why the recommended intervals between donations is set at 8 weeks.

Giving blood is truly giving the gift of life. Consider doing it soon and regularly.