Many of the world’s most common illnesses are spread through blood. AIDS, which causes the HIV virus, infects over 40,000 people each year is spread through blood (Clark C, 2001). Other viruses such as Hepatitis B and C also use blood as a vector for spreading the disease. Other diseases like malaria and trypanosomiasis  are also blood borne. (Wikipedia Contributors, 2006; Mayoclinic, July 21 2005). Many people get blood related illnesses every year. Blood disorders are often caused by blood transfusion. Clerical errors, such as the release of units of blood or errors in testing, is a common cause of blood transfusion related diseases. (Blood Book, 2006). Because of the ongoing spread of disease and disorders, scientists and researchers have been making many advances in blood research such as the types of blood and cure for blood related diseases. Most blood related disorders and are hard to prevent. Many disorders such as Rh disease now have cures because scientists such as Bruce Chown have found cures for them (March of Dimes, 2006)

    About 40,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day. Blood must be donated in order to give it to people who need it. (University of Virginia, Febuary 6 2004) Today, fewer people are eligible to donate blood than ever before due to various factors such as the “mad cow disease” where people who lived in Europe for more 6 months consecutively are not allowed to donate blood (Community Blood Center, August 12 2004). After donation, blood is refrigerated for up to six weeks. Different components of blood are used for a variety of therapeutic reasons (University of Virginia, Febuary 6 2004) . The donor’s blood type must match the recipients in order for the transfusion to be successful. There are four major blood types which include type, A, B, AB and O. If two different types are mixed together, blood cells may bundle together in the blood vessels. However people with type A or B can donate to people with type AB because their blood has the same molecules. Usually, people with blood type O can donate to anyone. If two incompatible blood types are mixed together, it may cause a fatal situation. (The Franklin Instatute, March 26 2006)