Blood Components
Blood accounts for approximately 8% of our body weight on average. On average, males have between 5 to 6 liters while females have 4 to 5. It has been referred to as a colloidal type fluid as it has cells (non-soluble) suspended within it. The tube shown at the right has been put through a centrifuge to separate its components. The light colored portion at the top is called plasma and accounts for approximately 45% of the total volume, whereas the remaining portion consists of red blood cells (Erythrocytes), 55% total volume.
There is one more layer, however, this picture does not do it justice. It would be noticed between these two layers and appears white in color. It is referred to as the "Buffy Coat." The Buffy Coat consists of white blood cells (Leucocytes) and platelets (Thrombocytes) and is less than 1% of the total volume. The plasma portion is approximately 90% water and its color is a pale yellow. Other soluble portions of plasma consist of proteins, hormones and other nutrients.
Obtaining blood for experiments is often difficult as blood banks are very efficient in using their supplies before they expire. I've tried contacting a few, however, when you tell them what you need it for you either get silence or a strange look. Oh, and never try asking around Halloween time! Other sources of blood have been used in experimentation such as pigs blood but I prefer to use whole human blood. If you're wondering...yes, that is my arm. Knowing someone who is trained in phlebotomy comes in handy, not to mention you know where the blood has come from. By the way, my blood did not make all the stains on this website. ;)
If all else fails, and you can't find any blood, there's always the fake stuff. This stuff is fairly realistic as far as the color is concerned, and you can find it at your local Walmart around Halloween. My academy actually used this stuff during our crime scene investigation week. Be careful with this stuff cause it stains everything!