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Tiny Agents Make A Huge Difference
A pint of whole blood contains less than an ounce of platelets, but these tiny clotting agents can make a huge difference
to a critically ill patient.
They are absolutely vital to people recovering from cancer, leukemia, open-heart surgery and transplant surgery, as well
as those who have blood disorders, including aplastic anemia. Because chemotherapy and radiation therapy often destroy healthy
cells, these patients need platelet transfusions to prevent bleeding.
How platelet donation works
Platelet donation or Apheresis (a-fe-REE-sis) can be done through a one-arm or two-arm procedure. Whole blood is drawn from a vein
in one arm and channeled through a computerized cell separator machine, which collects the platelets. The remaining plasma and red
blood cells are returned either through the same arm or the other one. After testing, your platelets will become available for
critically ill patients.
Platelet donation takes a little longer than whole blood donation (approximately two hours), but it also allows you to donate more
often because it removes only one component, rather than an entire pint of whole blood. Your platelets will regenerate within 24-48 hours.
Platelets vs. whole blood
It takes 7 to 10 whole blood donations to provide enough platelets for a single platelet transfusion. Obviously, a platelet donation
is more efficient. More importantly, it is safer for the patient, who is exposed to only one donor instead of 7 to 10, greatly
reducing the risk of antibody problems or possible infection.
Who can donate platelets
To be a platelet donor you must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, have a good vein in each arm and not
have taken products containing aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications for 72 hours prior to donating.
How Do I become a platelet donor
First, complete our new donor contact form. Within two weeks, we will call to answer any questions you might have.
Then we will put your name on our call/e-mail list and contact you to schedule an apheresis donation appointment as
patient needs arise.
If you cannot keep your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible, so that we may attempt to find another donor. Every missed appointment
leaves a critically ill patient waiting.
If you are interested in becoming a "PHeresis PHriend" immediately, please call any of our branch locations. You could be a very important "phriend" indeed.
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