Hundreds of local patients rely on platelet transfusions to help them recover from surgical procedures and illness. For example, platelet donations help people with leukemia whose chemotherapy destroys their own platelets. Without healthy platelets from a volunteer donor, even a minor cut could be life-threatening for them. Platelets are also needed to treat patients awaiting bone marrow transplants, recovering form open-heart surgery, those with blood disorders, burn victims and more.

Because platelets have a life-span of just 5 days, more platelet donors are always needed.

WHAT ARE PLATELETS?

Platelets are a tiny component of your blood. They help blood clot.

WHAT IS A PLATELET DONATION?

It is a type of blood donation. Instead of giving whole blood, you donate only a portion of your blood-PLATELETS.

WHY SHOULD I DONATE PLATELETS?

Your healthy platelets can help a patient whose body needs help preventing severe bleeding or bruising because his or her own platelets are weaken or destroyed.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE DONATION?

Platelet donations are made through a process called apheresis (AY FUR EE' SIS).

Two arms are used during a platelet donation. Blood is drawn from one arm and channeled through a sterile, disposable kit housed in a special cell separating machine. This machine separates out and collects your platelets. The rest of your blood is gently returned to you through your other arm.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

From registration to refreshments, giving platelets takes about two hours. While you donate, you can relax and watch a movie, listen to music or visit with the Central Blood Bank apheresis nursing staff.

IS IT SAFE TO DONATE?

Every thing used in the platelet donation is sterile, used on only one donor and then disposed of. You cannot get AIDS or any disease by giving platelets. Giving platelets is safe, it saves lives and it is something you'll feel good about doing.

HOW OFTEN CAN I DONATE PLATELETS?

You can donate platelets every 48 hours, up to 24 times a year. If you alternate between giving platelets and donating whole blood or plasma, the waiting time varies. Ask a Central Blood Bank staff member about these requirements.

WHO CAN DONATE PLATELETS?

The guidelines for platelet donors are similar to those for regular blood donations:

HOW CAN I BECOME A PLATELET DONOR?

Due to the special nature of donating platelets, they are only collected at a few of Central Blood Bank's community donor centers:

Please call our Apheresis Schedulers at (866) DONORS1 for donation times
and to schedule your appointment to donate platelets.

Your 2 hour commitment will mean a lifetime to someone else!