What is Apheresis?

It's a special kind of blood donation that allows you to give just one part of your blood, in this case platelets - the cells that help stop bleeding. During the donation, a special machine draws whole blood from a voluntary donor, separates and removes platelets and some plasma, and returns the red cells and remaining plasma to the donor.

In the time it takes to watch your favorite television program, you can give enough platelets to help two people whose ability to make their own platelets may have been compromised by cancer and chemotherapy.

Who uses platelets?

Principally patients with different forms of cancer and leukemia. Chemotherapy helps save lives but it destroys healthy platelets at the same time. Without platelet transfusions, these patients could bleed to death. Patients suffering from leukemia and other cancers of the blood are doubly affected. In addition to the effects of chemotherapy, their disease may crowd out or destroy the bone marrow cells that make healthy platelets.

Despite advances in medical technology, there is still no substitute for platelets... they must come from dedicated volunteer donors.

Who can give Platelets?

The same good health requirements that govern whole blood donors apply to platelet donors. You must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and in general good health.

Why should I donate Platelets?

A single platelet donation can help as many as two patients. By comparison, it takes the combined platelets from four to six whole blood donations to make a single treatment for just one recipient. The recipient's immune system is exposed to antibodies from only one donor, not several different donors.

What is involved in donating? Is it safe?

When you donate platelets, you complete the same basics as whole blood donors: a medical history, blood pressure check, and iron level check at each donation. Then you settle into a comfortable recliner, turn on your favorite television program, and relax while a carefully monitored machine draws blood from one arm through sterile tubing into a cell separator centrifuge. The self-contained sterile tubing assures that your blood never comes in contact with the machine that separates your platelets from the other components. The machine also removes some plasma to protect the platelets while they await transfusion. Your remaining plasma, red cells, and white cells return to you through the other arm. Specially trained Red Cross staff conducts the procedure, paying close attention to you and monitoring the machine. As with any blood donation, the tubing and needles are used only once then properly discarded.

How long does it take?

The entire process -- from medical history through tasty refreshments -- usually takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, during which time you can watch a movie or your favorite television programs.

How many Platelets will I donate?

A single donation removes less than 20% of your total platelets. Platelets replenish themselves very quickly allowing apheresis donors to give every three days, up to 24 times a year.

Are there any side effects?

Platelet donors report very few side effects. As with a whole blood donation, you can immediately return to most normal activities. It is recommended that you avoid heavy lifting for 24 hours after your donation. Some donors feel a slight tingling around their lips or nose. This is a mild response to the anticoagulant used when the blood is returned to your body and can be quickly treated by telling the staff, who will take care of you. Some donors feel a slight chill; if this happens to you, our staff will bring you a blanket to make you more comfortable.

Can I ever donate whole blood again?

Absolutely! Talk to the Apheresis Staff to find out when you can donate whole blood again. Remember you are able to donate platelets 24 times a year, so you can interval platelet donations with your whole blood donations.

What is involved in donating? Is it safe?