What are Platelets?
Platelets are very small cellular components of blood that help to
control bleeding. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets collect at
the site of the injury and temporarily repair the tear. Platelets then
activate clotting factor substances in plasma which form a clot and
allow the wound to heal.
Who Needs Platelets?
Many lifesaving medical treatments require platelet transfusions. Cancer
patients, those receiving organ or bone marrow transplants, victims of
traumatic injuries, and patients undergoing open heart surgery require
platelet transfusions to survive. Because platelets can be stored for
only five days, the need for platelet donations is vast and continuous.
The platelet donation process is called an Apheresis donation.
What is Apheresis?
Apheresis (ay-fur-ee-sis) is a special kind of blood donation that
allows a donor to give a specific blood component, such as platelets.
During the apheresis procedure, all but the needed blood component is
returned to the donor.
Who can be an Apheresis Donor?
If you meet the requirements for donating blood, you probably can give
platelets. Apheresis donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old
with parental consent), be in good health, weigh at least 120 pounds,
and not have taken aspirin or products containing aspirin within 48
hours prior to donation.
Why is Blood Separated?
Different patients need different blood components, depending on their
illness or injury. After you donate whole blood, the unit is separated
into platelets, red cells, and plasma in our laboratory. Only two
tablespoons of platelets are collected from an entire blood donation.
Six whole blood donations must be used to provide a single platelet
transfusion. However, one apheresis donation provides enough platelets
for one complete transfusion – six times the amount collected from a
whole blood donation.
How Long Does it Take?
Depending on your weight, the apheresis donation process will take
anywhere from one hour to an hour and a half. You can watch television,
listen to music, or simply sit back and relax while helping to save a
life.
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