While Whole Blood is an effective replacement fluid for acute, massive blood loss because it simultaneously provides volume expansion and restores oxygen-carrying capacity (via red blood cells), its use is now relatively uncommon in standard practice, particularly in the United States. Blood Transfusion
The Shift to Component Therapy
Current transfusion trends favor separating donated blood into its specific components. This allows for tailored transfusions, maximizing the benefit for patients with specific deficiencies:
Red Blood Cell Mass (pRBCs):
Used to restore the oxygen-carrying capacity in cases of anemia or significant blood loss.
Plasma (e.g., Fresh Frozen Plasma – FFP):
Used primarily for factor replacement to correct coagulopathies or bleeding due to factor deficiencies.
Platelets and White Cells:
Used for patients who are deficient in these specific components (e.g., thrombocytopenia or neutropenia).
Advantage of Whole Blood (Donor Exposure)
A notable advantage cited for using Whole Blood to treat acute blood loss is the association with lower disease transmission rates. This is because the patient is exposed to blood from a single donor, compared to receiving packed red blood cells, platelets, and fresh frozen plasma, which often come from three or more different donors.