Platelet Donations

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Platelet donor, Lauren Spiker often gives two platelet doses with a single donation

What is Platelet Apheresis?

• A special kind of blood donation that allows you to give just one part of your blood – platelets, the tiny cells that help control bleeding.

Who Uses Platelets?

• Children and adults fighting life threatening diseases.
• Cancer and Leukemia patients use platelets because chemotherapy can prevent a patient's bone marrow from making enough platelets to enjoy even every day activities.
• Platelets are used during heart by-pass surgery to prevent post-operative bleeding.
• Bone marrow recipients can use up to 120 doses of platelets waiting for their new bone marrow to engraft.

Why Should I Donate Platelets?

• Advances in medical technology and treatments would not be possible without platelets; but there is still no way to manufacture them. They must come from dedicated platelet donors.
• One apheresis donor can give up to three patient doses. By comparison, it takes the combined platelets from up to 15 traditional whole blood donors to get the same amount.
• Because they can be matched, apheresis platelets are especially valuable to patients who have had several transfusions and have developed antibodies.
• Platelets only last five days and the need is seven days a week. We collect only what hospitals tell us they need and we cannot stock up.

Can I Ever Donate Whole Blood Again?

• Yes. As a general guideline, a donor may donate one whole blood donation and one dual-arm platelet apheresis donation within any eight week period. You may be eligible to donate platelets just three days after a whole blood donation, and vice versa.

Who Can Give Platelets?

• Platelet donors must be at least 17 years old and 110 pounds.
• Donors must be in general good health the day of their donation.
• Donors must be free of any medication containing aspirin for three full days prior to a platelet donation.
• People who take anticoagulants (agents used to prevent blood clots) or anti-platelet drugs such as Plavix® may not donate platelets while on these medications.

How Does a Platelet Apheresis Donation Work?

• Specially trained Red Cross Staff conduct the donation and fully explain the process to you prior to your first donation.
• The pre-donation process (answering the health questions) is the same as a traditional whole blood donation.
• The process uses a smaller needle than a traditional whole blood donation.
• The component collection system draws blood from one arm through sterile tubing into a cell separator centrifuge. The self-contained sterile tubing assures that your blood never comes in contact with the machine. The collections system also removes some plasma to protect the platelets while they await transfusion.
• The blood components that are not used are returned to you through the other arm along with an anticoagulant to prevent clotting and saline to replenish lost fluids.
• The entire process is about 2 – 2 ½ hours for most donors. To pass the time, you can watch TV, choose a movie from our collection, or bring your favorite movie with you.

How Many Platelets Will My Body Lose?

• One platelet apheresis donation removes less than 20% (about 2 ½ tablespoons worth) of your total platelets.
• Platelets replenish themselves very quickly allowing donors to give up to 24 times per year.

Are There Any Side Effects?

• Platelet donors report very few side effects.
• It is recommended that you avoid heavy lifting for 24 hours after your donation.
• Some donors feel a slight tingling around their lips or nose. This is a mild response to the anticoagulant used when the blood is returned to your body and can be quickly alleviated with calcium. If this sensation occurs, the staff will give you a calcium supplement like Tums®.
• Should you feel a slight chill, our staff will bring you a blanket and/or heating pad to make you more comfortable.

How Do I Become a Platelet Apheresis Donor?

• Fill out a donor request card today. You will be contacted by our Scheduling Department shortly.
• Call Toll Free:
  • New York Residents: 800-545-4086
  • Pennsylvania Residents: 800-432-8045
• E-Mail: Apheresisdonor@usa.redcross.org
• To assure the highest level of service, and to make sure that there are enough platelets to meet patient need every day, platelet donations are by appointment only. Please bring your driver's license or donor card with you to every donation. Patients are counting on donors to honor their commitment.