EXHIBIT 23.1
                                                                    ------------

                         [ERNST & YOUNG LLP LETTERHEAD]


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the  Registration  Statement on
Form S-8 pertaining to the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan of HemaCare  Corporation of
our report dated February 17, 2004, with respect to the financial  statements of
HemaCare  Corporation  included  in its Annual  Report  (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 2003 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                        /s/  Ernst & Young LLP

                                                        ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Los Angeles, California
March 22, 2004