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Platelets, "sticky" cell-like structures,
are vital in treating patients suffering from
lift-threatening diseases such as cancer and
leukemia. without platelet donations from a
special group of blood donors, called Apheresis
donors, we can't provide the help they need.
Hospitals that treat these patients could be
stuck with a low supply.
To patients in need, Apheresis donors are
heroes. Make a difference in someone's
life and become an Apheresis donor - and a hero
- today. |
The Platelet Apheresis
Process:
Through this special process, blood is drawn from a
donor's arm into a special machine. This blood is
then rapidly spun to separate the platelet cells from
the other blood components. The platelets goo into
a sterile, one-time-use collection bag while the
remaining blood components - the red cells and white
cells - are returned to the donor.
It would take six to eight regular whole blood
donations to provide the amount of platelets available
in one Apheresis donation.
How long does it take?
The entire process, from registration to recovery,
takes up to two hours. this is longer than a
regular whole blood donation because it takes time to
separate the platelets and return the other blood
components to the donor. However, during your
donations, you can watch television, talk to our
friendly staff or just relax.
Who can give? And how
often?
Most people who are eligible to give blood can donate
Apheresis. Generally, you may donate as often as
every three days, up to 24 times a year. We
recommend that you commit to donating four to six time
per year. During that time, you will still be
eligible to donate whole blood on your regular schedule.
Donate |
