2007-03-25 15:32:48 · 5 answers · asked by granny 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Well, when I go to give blood, the bag they fill up holds 1 pint. This is also stated on the American Red Cross's websiste (http://www.givebloodredcross.org/rc/donate/donate_blood_faqs.asp)
If you use this calculator :
http://www.paulnoll.com/Oregon/Canning/number-liters.html
You will see that there are 0.4731 Liters in a pint; therefore, when you get a unit of blood at the hospital you are getting 0.4731 liters of blood.
2007-03-25 15:40:36 · answer #1 · answered by Zefina 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A unit of blood is actually less than a litre, its about 300ml.
When a unit is donated it starts off being about 500ml, then the unit is centrifuged to remove most of the plasma (liquid part) leaving behind the red blood cells. The plasma portion is frozen and used to treat other conditions such as blood clotting disorders. (there is a fridge directly behind me right now with about 70 packs of blood in it, and I can tell you that the labels all state that they contain about 300ml of packed red clood cells).
Usually only packed cells are given in a transfusion when a person is or has been bleeding. If a patient has lost a large volume of blood they are given volume expanders such as human albumin or normal saline. It is very unusual to give someone a donation of whole blood (full 500ml), as it puts a large fluid load on the patient, which can stress their heart, and there is no scientific evidence to show that there is any benefit in giving whole blood over packed cells and volume expanders.
2007-03-25 15:43:07 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Scientist 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A blood transfusion can have up to 500 ml in it. It really depends on how it was donated (ie.self or a compatible donor). It also depends on the persons age, size and medical condition. When transfusing packed red blood cells, I always see 350 ml on the bags at work, but I seldom get 350 ml out of it when transfusing.
2007-03-25 15:46:56 · answer #3 · answered by Jenny 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe it's 1 pint. Because when I gave blood, they gave me, "a pint for a pint" coupon for free ice cream at baskin robins. Ha ha
2016-03-18 05:51:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My wife is a nurse, and she said it's 500 milliliters
2007-03-25 15:40:41 · answer #5 · answered by dwforce 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋