Giving Platelets

Giving Platelets
In addition to giving blood, you can also save lives by donating platelets, the component of your blood that causes clotting. Platelets are useful in the treatment of patients with cancer, leukemia, aplastic anemia, and other diseases that suppress the body's ability to produce them. Platelets may also be used in trauma situations and during surgeries.

One platelet donation contains eight times as many platelets as a regular blood donation, providing even more benefit to patients. But, once donated, platelets are only good to be transfused for 5 days. So there is a continuous need for donors. And, since your body replaces platelets within 24 hours, you may donate as often as once every 72 hours, up to 24 times per year.

Giving platelets is simple

A special machine is used to draw whole blood from the donor’s arm, separate the platelets, and return the other components to the donor.
You may watch television or a movie, read a magazine or book, or simply relax during your donation.
Since platelet donations take a little longer than giving blood, these donations are pre-scheduled for your convenience.
Prior to giving platelets, you will be asked to complete a simple questionnaire to help ensure that your donation will be safe for both you and the recipient of your platelets.

Giving platelets is quick

Although not as quick as giving blood, the entire process typically takes around 2 hours from start to finish.
The actual donation lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Giving platelets is safe

Marsh staff will test your blood pressure, pulse, temperature and red cell level before you donate.
Donors are carefully monitored by a specially trained technician.
To protect the safety of you and the recipients of your platelets, you SHOULD NOT donate platelets if any of these statements apply to you:

If you weigh less than 110 pounds
If you are younger than 18 years of age
If you have had a cold, sore throat, fever, flu or fever blisters within 2-3 days
If you have taken aspirin or product containing aspirin within 72 hours of your donation time
If you have taken a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) within 24 hours of your donation time
If you are currently taking an antibiotic for an infection or have taken an antibiotic within the past 7 days
If you have not eaten a well-balanced and substantial meal within four to six hours of your donation
If you are a lactating mother (the anticoagulant used during the procedure can cross over into the mother's breast milk)
If you have a history of hepatitis, heart disease, or most cancers within the last five years
If you have had a tattoo, blood transfusion, or accidental needlestick within the past 12 months
If you have had a major surgery in the past six months or pregnancy within the past six weeks
If you have ever had a positive HIV test or had sex in the past 12 months with anyone who has had one
If you have ever used illegal IV drugs or had sex in the past 12 months with anyone who has done so
If you have received or given money or drugs for sex since 1977
If you are MALE and have had sex with another male since 1977
If you are FEMALE and have had sex in the past 12 months with a male who has had sex with another male since 1977

As a token of our appreciation for your gift of life, you’ll receive complementary refreshments and a free t-shirt or other item after your donation.
If you are interested in becoming a platelet donor at MRBC, have additional questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Marsh Regional Blood Center at 423-224-5888.