Platelet Donation

Platelet Apheresis FAQ

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• Why donate platelets?

  Every year, platelets save and sustain the lives of cancer, transplant, and trauma patients—and people undergoing open-heart surgery. 20 units of platelets can be life-saving for a patient with severe burns, while a single accident victim can require up to 40 units to survive. The need is constant. Platelets remain viable for only five days, and volunteer donors are in continuous demand—especially on weekends
  and over the winter and summer holidays.

• How is a platelet donation different from a whole blood donation?

  During a whole blood donation, blood is collected as one unit. Only later is it separated into its three components: 55% plasma, 45% red blood cells, and <1% platelets. With so few platelets collected from this process, six (6) whole blood donations would be required to meet demand for the quantity used in a single transfusion. For example, a typical bone marrow transplant recipient would require platelets from about 120 whole blood donations. When making a platelet-only donation, a special automated process is used. Known as platelet apheresis, blood flows directly into a sterile, single-use kit where platelets are collected while the other blood components—red blood cells and plasma—are returned to you. Donors experience no fluid loss during this donation process.

• Why is platelet apheresis so important?

  Apheresis (AY-fur-EE-sis)—meaning to separate—allows you to give just one part of your blood and in greater quantities than through traditional whole blood donations. Specifically, the platelet apheresis process collects enough platelets—in just one visit—required for two-to-three transfusions for those in need.

• How long does the process take?

  A platelet apheresis donation typically takes 2 hours, during which time you can access the internet, watch a movie, or simply relax.

• How often can I donate?

  Donated platelets are normally replaced in the body within 24  hours, making it  possible to donate frequently—up to 24 times per year. Two days after each platelet donation, you also can return to donate whole blood. You must wait 56 days to donate again after giving whole blood. 

• Are there special eligibility requirements?

  In addition to general donor eligibility requirements (e.g., age, weight, health status), platelet apheresis donors must be free of any aspirin product or aspirin-containing medicine or Feldene for at least 48 hours, and free from any NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) product for at least 24 hours prior to donating. At your donation appointment, your hemoglobin will be tested to ensure that an acceptable measure of iron is present (at least 12.5 g/dL).And results from the standard miniphysical and confidential interview also will be used to determine eligibility. Platelet donors must meet a minimum qualifying platelet count. Platelet counts can be tested at any of Memorial Blood Centers' Metro donor centers or blood drives.

  Learn more
  Please call us at 1-888-GIVE-BLD.

• Making an HLA-Match

  Cancer patients, many undergoing multiple treatments for years, may develop antibodies to foreign antigens and require platelets specifically matched to their unique set of Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA)—critical components in the immune system’s defense against bacteria, viruses and parasites. When your HLA-type proves to be the best match for a patient with a similar HLA profile, you may be called upon to make a special donation to meet a specific patient’s time-sensitive need for platelets.

  Apheresis Angels  

  Apheresis Angels are generous donors whose platelets undergo a more extensive antigen typing procedure and, when called upon, make a special donation to meet a specific patient’s time-sensitive need for HLA-matched platelets.

  Find out how you can become an Apheresis Angel
  Call us at 1-888-GIVE-BLD.