Transfusion Medicine -Is Its Future Secure? - Conclusion of The Composition of Blood

 RED BLOOD CELLS  (erythrocytes) constitute between 38 and 48 percent of whole blood.  These cells keep tissue alive by bringing oxygen to it and taking carbon dioxide away.

Just as blood plasma can a source of various fractions, other primary components  can be processed to isolate small parts, or fractions.  For example, hemoglobin is  a fraction of the red blood cell. 

PLASMA

WATER 91.5% 

PROTEINS 7% 

ALBUMINS 

GLOBULINS

FIBRINOGEN

OTHER SUBSTANCES 1.5% 

NUTRIENTS 

HARMONES

RESPIRATORY GASES

ELECTROLYTES 

VITAMINS

NITROGENOUS WASTES

blood components in circles:  This project has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the National Cancer Institute. National Institutes of Health, under contract NO!-CO- 12400.  The contents of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or  policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, not does mention of trades names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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