Learn about blood

Your blood is made up of the following components:

• Plasma - the liquid part of your blood
• Red cells - carry oxygen around the body   
• White cells - fight off infection
• Platelets - the part of blood that makes it clot  

Each precious donation of blood has a very short shelf life. Your red cells, for example, can only be stored for a few weeks and your platelets have a shelf life of just five days.

There are eight blood groups which are classified using two systems:

• ABO System - Group O, A, B and AB
• RhD (Rhesus) system - Positive (+) and Negative (-)

After giving blood you will receive your blood donor card with your blood group and donor number.

• Are you the type to save a life?

  Find out more about blood groups.