Platelet Donation
Our Lady of Lourdes Blood Bank operates platelet donation services (Apheresis) to fill the needs of hospital patients.
Platelet & Whole Blood Donation IncentivesGIFTS:
4 Whole Blood donations in 1 year = invitation to the Lourdes “4 for Life” banquet + donor gift
5 volunteer platelet donations = $30 gift card to an area restaurant
3 volunteer 2RBC donations in 1 year = $30 gift card to an area restaurant
REPLACMENT CREDITS:
1 Whole Blood replacement donation (every 8weeks) = $27 credit on any Lourdes account
1 platelet replacement donation (every 3 days) = $54 credit on any Lourdes account
1 2RBC replacement donation (every 16 weeks) = $54 credit on any Lourdes account
What is Apheresis?Blood is a mixture of red cells, white cells, plasma, platelets and more. Apheresis is a special blood donation process that allows you to give just one component of your blood in this case, platelets - the cells that help stop bleeding. Healthy people have more platelets than they need and may donate them without any risk to themselves. The platelets that are donated are replaced in a few days.
Brief history of apheresisUntil recently, the only way to collect enough platelets for a single transfusion was to take the units of blood given by five to 1 0 donors, separate the platelets from the other blood cells using a centrifuge, and combine the platelets.
Today, sophisticated medical equipment - blood cell separators - can collect enough platelets for a transfusion from a single donor. The separator automatically removes platelets from the blood you are donating and returns the rest of the blood to you.
It is a simple, safe process - very much like a whole blood donation.
How you're helping others.Donating platelets helps people undergoing treatment for serious health problems like leukemia, cancer and aplastic anemia. The platelet transfusions can mean the difference between life and death.
How long does it take?Donating platelets takes 60 - 90 minutes. The procedure is longer than a whole blood donation because the platelets are separated from the other blood components, which are returned to you.
How donating platelets works.When donating platelets, the blood that is drawn from your arm goes into the blood cell separator instead of going into a plastic bag, as it would in a whole blood donation. When the blood is in the separator the platelets are carefully removed. The rest of your blood - the plasma, red cells and white cells - is returned to you.
Who can donate platelets?The same good health requirements that govern whole blood donors apply. Requirements can change, so check with your blood center.
How often can you donate platelets?
Your body is able to replenish its supply of platelets very quickly so they are always in plentiful supply. Generally, a person can donate platelets as frequently as every 48 hours but no more than 24 times per year.
Does it hurt?Donating platelets is not painful. You'll only feel a slight pinch when the needle is placed in your arm. The donation takes place in a quiet, air conditioned location with a comfortable lounge chair. We even have an "E-Chair" (pictured above) with access to the internet, movies and other amenities.
Is donating platelets safe?Yes! Donating platelets is SAFE! Many people incorrectly link the fear of contracting AIDS with giving blood. There is no connection.
For more information about becoming a blood or platelet donor,
call Beverly Meche at 289-4428.
or Click here to E-MAIL
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