Did you know that in the U.S. alone someone needs blood every two seconds? Read the infographic guide below to learn why you should give blood today.

Safe blood saves lives; yet demand far exceeds supply all over the world. This is hardly surprising when you consider that only 10% of people who can give blood do so. According to the WHO, 67 countries currently collect fewer than ten donations per 1,000 people.

How Are Blood Donations Used?

Blood comprises several components (such as red blood cells, platelets and plasma) and each of these can be used to treat many different conditions. In fact, just one unit of blood can be used to save up to three lives. Blood can be critical for patients with medical conditions or who are having surgery. Some conditions that require blood transfusions include cancer, anaemia and blood disorders. Blood is also required for cardiac and emergency surgeries and to treat blood loss after childbirth.

Blood Donation is a Safe and Quick Procedure

The process of donating blood is quick and usually takes just under 60 minutes to complete. It’s relatively pain-free procedure as the only discomfort you will experience is the initial prick of the needle. The healthy average adult has ten to twelve pints of blood, and a unit of blood is just under a pint (350-450ml). Your body creates new blood constantly, and the fluid you lose will be replaced within hours.

Interested in Giving Blood?

If you are curious about donating blood and would like to learn more about the procedure, we advise you to take a look the below infographic from Study Medicine Europe. This super informative guide lays out some key facts about blood donation and debunks some of the most pervasive myths about giving blood.

Read more about how donating blood can save lives in the infographic below.