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Everybody Has It.  Everybody Needs It.

Blood Centers of the Pacific

Blood is a red liquid that carries oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body, and carries carbon dioxide and other waste products back to the lungs, kidneys and liver for disposal. It fights infection and helps heal wounds, so we can stay healthy.

There is no substitute for human blood. If patients lose blood from surgery or injury or if their bodies can’t produce enough, there is only one place to turn—volunteer blood donors.

Blood Cells

Red cells, white cells and platelets are made in the marrow of bones, especially the vertebrae, ribs, hips, skull and sternum. These essential blood cells fight infection, carry oxygen and help control bleeding.


Plasma is a pale yellow mixture of water, proteins and salts. One of the functions of plasma is to act as a carrier for blood cells, nutrients, enzymes and hormones.

Red Cells

Red cells are disc-shaped cells containing hemoglobin, which enables the cells to pick up and deliver oxygen to all parts of the body.

White Cells

White cells are the body’s primary defense against infection. They can move out of the blood stream and reach tissues being invaded.


Platelets are small cells in the blood that control bleeding. They form clusters to plug small holes in blood vessels and assist in the clotting process.

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