Occupational Medicine
Plateletpheresis Donation Requires Very Little, But Gives So Much
Platelet donations help people undergoing treatment for serious health problems like leukemia, cancer and a plastic anemia. A transfusion can literally mean the difference between life and death for some patients.
Plateletpheresis takes about 90 minutes to complete. The procedure is longer than a regular donation because it takes extra time to separate and collect the platelets from the other blood components. Generally, a person may donate platelets as frequently as every 4 days but no more than 24 times a year or 6 whole blood donations a year. you may donate whole blood 3 days before or after your platelet donation. We recommend waiting 2 weeks if you are a regular donor or experience iron level problems. (If donating both, the number of donations will have to be reduced - consult with your technician to check next available donations date.)
Eligible plateletpheresis donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds and be in good health. No aspirin 36 hours prior to donating and watch fatty intake 24 hours prior to donation.
- Platelet Donation
- What is Plateletpheresis?
- Why Should I be a Plateletpheresis Donor?
- It Requires Very Little, but Gives So Much
- Are There Any Side Effects?