Hospitals stock some of the more common blood components used in emergencies, but often, blood products are not ordered until they are needed. They are kept at Carter BloodCare's distribution department until a hospital orders them.

Whole blood, kept cool in refrigerators, can be transfused for 21 days after the donation.

Red cells can be used for 42 days after they are donated. They are used in the treatment of accident victims, to replace blood lost during surgery, and to treat burn victims.

Please plan to be a part of something great, and give blood today.