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Platelet Donations
Every day, platelet donors are needed to help people undergoing treatment for serious health problems like leukemia, cancer and aplastic anemia. These patients can't produce enough platelets on their own. Without platelets, they can suffer hemorrhages. For many, a platelet transfusion can mean the difference between life and death.What are platelets?
Platelets are blood components that help control bleeding. Platelets are critically important to the survival of patients with clotting problems, aplastic anemia, leukemia, cancer, and to patients who will undergo organ transplants or major surgeries like heart "by-pass" grafts.
Here are some examples of how many platelets a patient may need:
Heart Surgery Patient, 6 units
Burn Patient, 20 units
Organ Transplant Patient, 30 units
Bone Marrow Transplant Patient, 120 units
Since platelets can be stored for only five days, there is almost always an urgent need for platelet donations.
You can donate platelets every two weeks, or up to 24 times in a one-year rolling period.
What is apheresis?
Apheresis (ay-fur-e-sis) is a donation process that allows you to give one component of your blood-platelets. Blood is a mixture of red cells, white cells, plasma, platelets and more.
While all blood donations are vital, Apheresis (derived from the Greek word meaning “to withdraw”) is a special type of donation using updated medical technology to collect specific blood components (platelets, plasma, red cells, etc) from a donor. The remaining blood components, including the red cells, are returned to the donor. In Southern California the primary focus of our current collections is the recruitment of more platelet donors.
Are apheresis donations safe?
Yes. Each donation is closely supervised by specially trained staff. A small percentage of your platelets are collected, so there is no risk of bleeding problems. Your body will replace the donated platelets within 72 hours. All donation equipment is sterile and discarded after every donation.
How does the procedure work?
During an apheresis donation, blood is drawn from your arm into an automated cell separator. Your blood is spun and platelets are being removed continuously throughout the apheresis process. Your remaining blood components are then immediately returned to you through your arm.
How long does it take?
Apheresis donations are by appointment only at donor centers throughout the Southern California Region. The entire process takes about sixty to ninety minutes in addition to registration, medical history and post-donation refreshments. Donors can watch movies or relax during this time.
Does it hurt?
Donating platelets is not painful. It is very similar to giving blood. You will only feel a slight pinch.
Who can donate?
You must:
• be at least 17 years old
• be in good health
• weigh at least 110 pounds
• no aspirin or product containing aspirin for 48 hours prior to the apheresis donation
How can I become an apheresis donor?
Call 1.888.DROP OF LIFE (1.888.376.7635) for more information or to make an appointment.
601 N. Golden Circle Drive, Santa Ana, CA, 92705
Phone: (714) 481-5300 Website: www.oc-redcross.org
