You can help save a life by becoming a plateletpheresis donor!

Pheresis is a special kind of blood donation by which specific components (platelets, plasma or white blood cells) can be collected. During pheresis, whole blood is collected from one arm and goes into a machine called a “cell separator.” The blood is spun in the machine to separate the components and a measured amount of the desired component is collected into a special bag. Then the red cells and other components are returned to the donor.

Platelets are the component in whole blood that helps control bleeding. Because only about one tablespoon of platelets can be collected from a unit of whole blood and they can be stored for only five days, platelets are a very precious component of blood.

Who is helped by plateletpheresis donations?
Platelets are used in large quantities, and over extended periods of time, by leukemia, cancer, aplastic anemia and marrow transplant patients. Platelets also are used during surgery to help stop bleeding.

How much time does it take?
The entire plateletpheresis donation takes less than two hours. This includes the donor’s health interview, approximately one hour and 20 minutes for the actual donation and time for light refreshments afterwards.

Who can give platelets?
Plateletpheresis donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Along with meeting the criteria for whole blood donors, they have two added restrictions:

• NO ASPIRIN or anything containing aspirin or PIROXICAM (Feldene) can be taken 72 hours before donation
• NO PLAVIX (clopidogrel) or TICLID (Ticlopidine) can be taken in the 14 days before donation

How often can I donate platelets?
Your body is able to replenish its supply of platelets very quickly. You may donate platelets by pheresis as frequently as every seven days, but no more than 24 times in a calendar year.

Call your local United Blood Services center for further information on becoming a pheresis donor.