At least one of every 10 hospital patients requires a blood transfusion. Patients undergoing surgery are the leading users of blood and blood products; other patients requiring a large volume of blood and blood products are those with diagnoses of cancer, heart disease gastrointestinal disease and trauma.

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Here is a sampling of average blood usage for surgical and other procedures:

Multiple Trauma-Usually 6-10 units of red blood cells INITIALLY requested, but more than 100 units have been given in problem cases. When as many as 10, or more than 10, units of red blood cells are needed in less than 24 hours, plasma and platelets are also needed.

Acute Leukemia-Highly variable, but typically about 6-10 units of red blood cells, and 50-100 platelet concentrates (or 6-12 platelets, apheresis) initially, and many will require continued blood product support.

Bone Marrow Transplantation-Highly variable, but typically about 10 units of red blood cells, and 100-200 platelet concentrates (or 15-25 units of platelets, apheresis)

Cardiac Surgery- variable, range from 0-4 units, but some procedures can require 5-10 units or more.

Some types of vascular and aneurysm surgery can take up to 4 to 6 units or more.

Liver Transplant-Variable, with a typical case requiring 20 units of red blood cells, 20 plasma, 10 platelets; many cases require much more than the "typical" case.

Heart Transplant-0-4 units red blood cells.

Orthopedic(knee replacement)-2-4 units of red blood cells.