Whole blood is a term used to describe the combination of plasma and cellular elements such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Synonyms for this term include full blood, undiluted blood, unmodified blood, and unpurified blood. These terms are often used in medical settings to describe the blood taken from a person in its most natural state for testing or transfusion. In contrast, the term "packed red blood cells" refers to a transfusion of only red blood cells, while "plasma" refers to the liquid portion of blood without the cellular elements. Understanding the various synonyms for whole blood can aid in clear communication within the medical field.