Whole blood is effective in the replacement of acute blood loss.-whole blood is effective as a replacement fluid for acute blood loss because it provides both volume and oxygen-carrying capacity (red blood cells). it is rarely used in the united states nowadays, and most blood banks do not provide whole blood transfusions. it is significantly more efficient to separate donated blood into its components. in this manner, the red blood cell mass can be used to provide oxygen-carrying capacity, the plasma can be used for factor replacement, and the platelets and white cells can be used for patients deficient in these components. the use of whole blood to replace acute blood loss is associated with lower disease transmission rates than the use of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets, each from a different donor.
