The amount of blood in the human body varies based on age, weight, and sex.

The body can manage some blood loss without difficulty.

Once blood loss is faster than the body can replace it, the body cango into shock.

A person donates blood

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How Much Blood Can the Body Lose?

For minimal blood loss, the body can usually replace the blood volume without much impact.

Larger losses of blood volumecan be a medical emergencyand require lifesaving interventions such as a blood transfusion.

Blood Loss Treatment Options

Several interventions can helpstop blood loss.

Intravenous fluids or plasma transfusion may help stabilize blood volume if it has dropped significantly.

Blood transfusionmay be needed if hemoglobin levels drop too low.

How Does the Body Make More Blood?

However, it takes weeks for the marrow to replace any cellular component.

If blood loss is too rapid, a transfusion may be needed.

Plasmais the liquid part of blood.

The kidneys also respond to reduce the loss of fluids and maintain plasma volume.

Plasma is replaced relatively rapidly in the body.

For example, a person candonate plasmatwice weekly, as long as there are 48 hours between donations.

The bone marrow produces the cellular components of bloodred blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Laboratory testing and physical examination can determine the extent of blood loss and what interventions are needed.

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