Centrifuge used to separate blood into its components; ©iStockphoto/nano

A unit of whole blood is processed through a series of centrifugations into four main derivatives for transfusion into the recipient:

• Red cell concentrate
• Platelet concentrate
• Frozen plasma
• Cryoprecipitate

Blood component therapy should be guided by both the clinical setting and laboratory data to support the need for a specific product. The risks and benefits of transfusion should always be considered.