Replenish protein levels after donating plasma by eating certain foods and avoiding others; but just as important is to eat well before donating blood.

Although proponents of the blood type diet say type O individuals will be healthier, leaner and more energetic by following the type O guidelines, health professionals criticize the plan for not being grounded in scientific evidence.

If the results of your RBC blood test show low red blood cell production, eating foods that contain certain nutrients may help increase your RBC count.

During chemotherapy, your total blood count may drop as a side effect of treatment. Anemia, or a significantly decreased number of red blood cells, can be alleviated by following a balanced diet that emphasizes protein and certain vitamins and minerals.

A high concentration of uric acid in the blood is known as hyperuricemia, which can lead to kidney stones and gout. Here's what causes it and what to do about it.

Plasma is a component of blood that some medical procedures require. When donating plasma, a technician draws blood with a needle. A specialized machine then separates the red blood cells and plasma and returns the blood to you. The body often replaces donated plasma within 24 to 48 hours.

G6PD deficiency occurs when your body does not produce adequate amounts of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, an enzyme that assists proper red blood cell function. This inherited condition affects about 400 million people worldwide, according to the Deployment Health and Family Readiness Library.

White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are a type of blood cell that help fight infections. There are five types of white blood cells, and each is produced in your bone marrow.

A low platelet count, technically known as thrombocytopenia, occurs when the blood loses platelets faster than the bone marrow replaces them.

In prediabetes and diabetes, blood sugars need to be kept as close to a normal range as possible. Monitoring your own blood sugar is the only way to tell if you are keeping your day-to-day readings -- both before and after meals -- within an acceptable range.

Recent food intake does not influence the results of most blood tests, so advance preparation is usually not needed. However some blood tests require that you avoid all foods and liquids, except for water, for up to 12 hours before the test.

Blood sugar tests are used to screen for and to monitor prediabetes and diabetes. Normal ranges for laboratory tests are the same for adults of all ages. However, recommended targets for home testing will sometimes be different for older adults.