Platelet Donations

Platelets are small cells in the blood that help control bleeding. They plug small holes in blood vessels and assist in the clotting process.

During an apheresis donation, we draw blood from your arm into a machine that automatically separates the components of your blood. Platelets divert to the collection bag and your remaining blood components return to you. The component separation within the machine takes place in a sterile, disposable chamber used only for your collection.

Every day, people like you need platelet transfusions to support them through treatments for cancer, leukemia, aplastic anemia, traumatic injuries and other life-threatening conditions. With one apheresis donation, you can safely give up to 12 times the number of platelets typically contained in a whole-blood donation. Because we can store platelets for only five days, we need many platelet donations every day to ensure a full supply of this lifesaving resource.

Platelet donors must be between the ages of 17 and 70 (16 with parental consent). You must be be in good general health. If you are at least 21 years old, you must weigh at least 110 pounds; if you are between the ages of 16-20, you must meet relative height and weight requirements. Platelet donors must test HLA negative. Additionally, platelet donors must not take aspirin — or products that contain aspirin — for 36 hours prior to donating. 

Yes. Trained staff, along with a computerized cell separator, monitor each donation. As with all donation procedures, we use new sterile needles, tubing and collection kits for each donor. Your blood does not come into contact with the cell separator itself.

As with whole-blood donation, most donors feel only a slight pinch when we insert the needle into the arm.

The platelet donation procedure takes about two hours. Because of the amount of time involved, it's important to schedule donation appointments in advance. Appointments ensure our staff and equipment are available when you arrive. If you need to cancel your appointment, please give us notice 48 hours ahead of time so we can guarantee our patients have enough platelets available.

Platelets control bleeding. Patients who undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments cannot produce the platelets they need to survive. Without these platelets, patients could bruise severely or bleed internally.

To make an appointment or for more information about donating platelets, call our Blood Donor Center at 443-481-4215.