Blood donation

Blood donation is the voluntary collection of blood from a donor for transfusion or for producing blood components and medicines.

Donor screening: A health and risk assessment used to determine whether a person can safely donate blood. Screening protects donors and recipients before collection begins.
Blood transfusion: The transfer of blood or a blood component into a person's circulation. Transfusion is the principal direct use of donated blood components.
ABO blood group system: A blood-group system defined chiefly by the presence or absence of A and B antigens on red cells. ABO compatibility is central to safe red-cell transfusion.
Directed blood donation: A donation collected for transfusion to a specific intended recipient. It differs from routine donations that enter the general blood supply.
Blood bank: An organization or facility that collects, tests, processes, stores, and distributes blood for transfusion. Blood banks connect individual donations to clinical supply.
Phlebotomy: The practice of obtaining blood by puncturing a vein or other blood vessel. Whole-blood donation typically collects blood through venipuncture.
Red blood cell transfusion: The administration of red blood cells to improve oxygen-carrying capacity. Donated red cells treat significant blood loss and some forms of anemia.
Rh blood group system: A blood-group system whose most clinically significant antigen is RhD. RhD status informs donor matching and prevention of immune reactions.
Autologous blood donation: The collection of a patient's own blood for possible later transfusion to that same patient. It contrasts with donation for use by other people.
Blood donor registry: A system that records donor information and supports recruitment or matching for blood collection. Registries help organizations contact eligible donors when supplies are needed.

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