Platelet Donation: During apheresis, specific components are separated from the whole blood and collected in special bags. Since specific component(s) are targeted, we can collect more of a specific component in a single donation than would be possible in a single whole blood donation. Components that can be collected are double red cells, platelets and plasma.
Platelets help control bleeding and are used in large quantities over extended periods of time by leukemia, cancer, aplastic anemia and marrow transplant patients. Platelets also are used during surgery to help stop bleeding. Generally the platelet donation process takes less than two hours, but on occasion it can exceed two hours depending on how many units are collected (this includes registration, screening, time in the chair, and refreshment period). Your body is able to replenish its platelet supply very quickly, and you may donate as frequently as once every seven days, but no more than 24 times in a 12-month period.
In addition to meeting the requirements for whole blood donation, platelet donors must also observe these restrictions:
- no aspirin or anything containing aspirin or Feldene (piroxicam) can be taken during the 48 hours prior to donation
- no Plavix (clopidogrel), Ticlid (ticlopidine), or Effient (prasugrel) can be taken in the 14 days before donation
Note: the medication deferral list can change so please be sure to read the most current list at the time of donation