Blood banking is the process of collecting, testing, processing, and storing blood and its components for future use. This is crucial for medical treatments, surgeries, and emergencies where patients may need blood transfusions. Blood banks ensure that donated blood is safe and available when needed, helping to save lives. In a blood bank, volunteers donate their blood, which is then screened for diseases and separated into components like red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. These components can be used to treat various conditions, such as anemia or trauma. Organizations like the American Red Cross play a vital role in managing blood donation drives and maintaining blood supplies.