Have you ever heard the term “apheresis?”

Apheresis is a special type of blood donation that allows for the collection of a specific blood part, or component, such as platelets. Platelets aid in the clotting process to prevent or stop bleeding and are vital in helping patients with leukemia or other cancers. Due to recent advances in medical treatment, the demand for platelets is growing dramatically, but platelets collected from whole blood donations can no longer meet current demands.

A platelet apheresis donation provides up to eighteen times more platelets than a regular whole blood donation, and is the preferred product for many cancer patients who receive multiple platelet transfusions during chemotherapy courses. Healthy people have an abundance of platelets and are eligible to donate platelets every two weeks, up to 24 times each year.

Platelet donors are a special and dedicated group of heroes. Many regular platelet donors give not only their platelets, but two hours of their time every two weeks to help those in need. Since platelets last only five days, there is always a need for more donors. The Red Cross is grateful for our platelet donors and encourages whole blood donors to try taking their donation to the next level. Donor guidelines for giving platelets are identical to guidelines for giving whole blood. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. In addition, donors cannot have taken aspirin for 36 hours prior to donating platelets. Donors can call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule an appointment to donate platelets at a Center listed below:

Laurie

Laurie Nehring is the Regional Communication Manager for The American Red Cross Blood Services Missouri-Illinois Region.