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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Whole Blood and Packed Cell?

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The main difference between whole blood and packed cells (packed red blood cells, PRBCs) lies in their composition and preparation.

Whole Blood:

  • Contains all the components of blood, including white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells.
  • Obtained during a standard blood donation.

Packed Cells:

  • Made from a unit of whole blood by centrifugation and removal of most of the plasma, leaving a unit with a hematocrit of about 60%.
  • Contain only red blood cells.

Packed cells are used to improve blood oxygen-carrying capacity and restore blood volume, while whole blood contains all the components of blood. One unit of packed red blood cells can raise the hematocrit of a standard adult patient by 3%. Packed cells are less likely than whole blood to cause transfusion-associated circulatory overload due to the smaller volume of blood needed to achieve the same increase in hematocrit.

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  • What is the Difference Between Whole Blood and Packed Cell?
  • Comparative Table: Whole Blood vs Packed Cell

    • Comparative Table: Whole Blood vs Packed Cell

    Here is a table comparing whole blood and packed cells:

    Feature Whole Blood Packed Cells
    Definition Whole blood is the blood obtained during a standard blood donation program, containing all the components of blood. Packed cells are the red blood cells separated by centrifugation of whole blood.
    Composition Whole blood is a mixture of cells, colloids, and crystalloids, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma. Packed cells are concentrated red blood cells with most of the plasma removed.
    Preparation Whole blood is collected as a single unit during a blood donation. Packed cells are prepared by separating red blood cells from whole blood through centrifugation, removing 200–250 ml of plasma.
    Storage Whole blood components can be stored under different conditions and temperature requirements. Packed cells can be stored for years using cryopreservation techniques.
    Uses Whole blood is used for various purposes, including blood transfusions and blood component preparation. Packed cells are used when a patient has lost a lot of blood or has anemia, to raise the patient's hemoglobin levels.

    The key difference between whole blood and packed cells is that whole blood contains all the components of blood, while packed cells are concentrated red blood cells with most of the plasma removed.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.