University of Southern California USC Logo

USC Blood Donor Center

General Facts

What is Blood?

Whole blood is compromised of three main components: red cells, plasma and platelets. The shelf-life of each component varies:

  • Red Cells - 42 Days
  • Platelets - 5 Days
  • Plasma - 1 Year

White cells are the body's primary defense against infection. Granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, roll along blood vessel walls destroying bacteria.

Blood Types

  • There are four blood types: A, B, AB, and O.
  • Approximately 85% of the population is Rh positive, while 15% is Rh negative.
  • Type O+ is the most common, and most frequently used, blood type.
  • Type O- is the universal blood donor.
  • Type AB is the universal recipient.

Did You Know?

  • There is no substitute for human blood.
  • About 1 in 7 people entering a hospital need blood.
  • One pint of blood can save up to three lives.
  • Blood centers often run short of types O and B blood.
  • If all blood donors donated two to four times a year, it will help prevent blood shortages.
  • 40,000 pints of donated blood are used each day in the US.
  • The average transfusion patient receives 3 units of red blood cells.
  • Only 3% of the national population donates blood.
  • 4.5 million Americans would die each year without life-saving blood transfusions.
  • Every 2 seconds someone needs blood.

Those in Need

  • Car accident victims who have suffered massive blood loss can require red blood cell transfusions of 50 pints or more.
  • The average bone marrow transplant requires 120 unites of platelets and approximately 20 units of red blood cells.
  • Severe burn victims require approximately 20 units of plasma during their treatment.
  • Anemic patients need blood transfusions to increase their iron levels.
  • Cancer, transplant, trauma patients and patients undergoing open heart surgery require platelet transfusions to survive.
  • Some patients with complications from severe sickle cell disease, an inherited disease that affects more than 80,000 people in the US (98% of whom are of African descent), may receive blood transfusions every month - up to four units at a time.

Office Address & Phone

  • University of Southern California
  • USC Blood Donor Center
  • HSC:2250 Alcazar St Suite 136 Los Angeles, CA 90033
  • Phone: (323)442-5433
  • UPC:3347 S Hoover St Suite C10 Los Angeles, CA 90007
  • Phone: (213)745-8310

Info & Directions