Blood bank

A service that collects, tests, processes, stores, and distributes donated blood and blood components for transfusion and related medical uses.

Blood donation: The voluntary or compensated collection of blood from a donor for transfusion or medical use. It supplies the whole blood and components that enter the bank’s workflow.
ABO blood group system: A blood-group system that classifies red cells by A and B antigens and plasma by corresponding antibodies. ABO incompatibility can cause severe reactions, so it anchors routine matching.
Blood transfusion: The transfer of blood or blood components into a person’s circulation. Supplying compatible components for transfusion is a central service function.
Blood supply: The availability of donated blood and components for medical use in a population or health system. Collection and inventory practices determine how reliably local services can meet demand.
Blood component separation: The processing of donated whole blood into components such as red cells, platelets, and plasma. Separating components lets one donation serve patients with different needs.
Rh blood group system: A blood-group system whose most clinically significant antigen is RhD, commonly called the positive or negative factor. RhD status guides component selection, especially for people who may become pregnant.
Massive transfusion protocol: A coordinated procedure for rapidly providing blood components during life-threatening hemorrhage. Emergency protocols depend on quickly available inventory and coordinated issue procedures.
Blood shortage: A situation in which available blood or a blood component is insufficient to meet clinical demand. Shortages expose the limits of perishable inventories and donation capacity.
Blood donor screening: The assessment of a potential donor’s health and risk factors before blood collection. Screening helps protect donors and reduces risks to transfusion recipients.
Red blood cell: A blood cell that contains hemoglobin and transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues. Red-cell units are a major stored component and are selected by blood-group compatibility.

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