Make your blood choices

Your Directive covers 10 items. For each one, you choose one of three options:

The 10 items

They're organized into three groups:

Primary components (4 items)

The main components of donated blood: whole blood, packed red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. These are the products most commonly transfused.

Blood fractions (3 items)

Smaller derivatives extracted from primary components: albumin, immunoglobulins, and clotting factors. Many people who refuse primary components consider fractions a personal decision.

Autologous procedures (3 items)

Techniques that use your own blood: cell salvage, hemodilution, and heart-lung bypass. No donor blood is involved in any of these.

Tips for deciding

• Click "Learn more" on any item in the editor to read what it is, why people accept or refuse, and what alternatives exist.
• You don't have to decide on every item right now — you can leave items undecided and come back.
• If you're unsure, "Personal Decision" is a valid choice. It delegates to your Healthcare Agent.
• Read the blood choices guide for detailed information on each item.