Platelet Donation

Blood is a mixture of red cells, white cells, plasma, platelets and more. Plateletpheresis is  special blood donation process that allows you to give just one part of your blood - platelets - the cells that help stop bleeding. There's an excess supply of platelets in the blood and much of them can be given away with no ill effect.

Until recently, the only way to collect enough platelets for a single transfusion was to take units of blood given by five to 10 donors, separate the platelets from the other blood cells using a centrifuge and combine the platelets.

Today, sophisticated medical equipment - blood separators can collect enough platelets for transfusion from a single donor. Blood that's drawn from your arms goes into the blood cell separator instead of going into a plastic bag, as it would in a regular blood donation. When the blood is in the separator the platelets are carefully removed. The rest of your blood - the plasma, red cells and white cells - is returned to you through the other arm. It's a simple, safe process.

Who can give platelets?

The same good health requirements that govern whole blood donors apply. Requirements do vary, so check with your blood center.

How long does it take?

Plateletpheresis takes one to two hours to complete. The procedure is longer than a regular donation because it takes extra time to separate and collect the platelets from the other blood components.

How often can I give platelets?

Your body is able to replenish its supply of platelets very quickly so they are always in plentiful supply. Generally, a person may donate platelets as frequently as every 48 hours but not more than 24 times a year. Restrictions vary, however.

Are there any side effects?

Because plateletpheresis takes out only platelets and returns the other blood components to your body, many of the side effects some people have when they give whole blood are avoided. Some donors feel a slight tingling sensation around their lips and nose when they donate platelets. This is a mild reaction to the blood anticoagulant used in the procedure and can be stopped. You also might feel a slight chill during donation and may need a blanket.

Why should I be a plateletpheresis donor?

Donations of platelets help people with very special health care needs. These people may be undergoing serious health problems like leukemia, cancer and aplastic anemia. The transfusion can mean the difference between life and death. So you can be sure that your platelet donation is helping save a life.

Excerpt from a brochure published by the Philippine National Red Cross.

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