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terview with a questionnaire on health and habits, measurement of haemog- lobin and blood pressure, and finally a venipuncture in the flexure of the elbow to extract 450 millilitres of blood and tubes for analysis. After the collection, and after a short rest and fluid intake, if the donor feels well, he/she can leave the collection point. Donations can also be made in mo- bile units, and in some hospitals. The donated blood is sent to the trans- fusion centre, where it is processed and analysed. The blood bag is centri - fuged and separated into blood com- ponents, red cell concentrate, plasma and leucoplatelet layer, for storage. Simultaneously, tests are performed to confirm the suitability of the compo - nents. The shelf life of blood under optimal conditions varies: red cell concentrate lasts 42 days at 4-6 degrees, plasma up to three years frozen, and platelet concentrate a maximum of seven days at room temperature. There are significant differences be - tween blood and plasma donation. While whole blood donation draws 450 millilitres of blood in about 6-7 minutes, which is then divided into its components, plasma donation is done by apheresis, drawing whole blood, processing it to collect only the plas- ma, and returning the rest to the do- nor. Although more time-consuming, this method allows a larger volume of plasma to be collected and allows for more frequent donations. In conclusion, it never hurts to remem- ber that blood is essential because it cannot be manufactured and is the only treatment for some serious or chronic diseases, as well as being es- sential in bone marrow and solid organ transplants. Red Cross team from the Blood Collection Unit in Juan Montalvo Street, Madrid. Donor during blood collection. W E L L N E S S W E L L N E S S 57