More about blood

Blood is needed to transport oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body. An adult human body contains approximately five litres of blood.

Half of blood is red cells and half yellowish blood plasma or plasma. Blood also contains a small amount of platelets and leukocytes.

New blood cells are created constantly in the bone marrow of a healthy person. There is no artificial blood that could replace real blood entirely.

Bookmarks which have blood groups on them.

Information about blood types

There are eight basic blood groups. Read why they are important and what are the most common blood types.

Read about blood types

What happens to donated blood?

Blood goes through many stages on its journey from donor to patient.

The journey of blood

How is blood screened

The most important thing for the patient receiving the blood is that the blood donor is healthy. This is why donated blood is screened.

Laboratory tests

Red blood cell products on a table with a blood product warehouse and a Blood Service employee in a white coat in the background.

Blood products

The donated blood is never given to patients as such – instead it is divided into red cells, platelets and plasma. These are then produced into blood products.

Blood haemoglobin level and iron

Read about haemoglobin and prevention of iron deficiency in blood donors.

Learn about iron

Paramedics rush from the ambulance. A man in a white t-shirt with O- in red font is standing next to him.

O negative is the emergency blood type

O negative is the emergency blood type. It can save anyone of us.

Emergency blood