Platelet Program
Platelet Apheresis Program -- 718-780-3644
Apheresis (A-fur-EE-sis) means to take away. When you give an apheresis donation, you give only one part of your blood. Using a special apheresis blood collecting machine, our Blood Donor Technicians can collect enough platelets from a single donor for transfusion for up to three (3) patients. It would take between 6 and 18 whole blood donors to provide the same amount of platelets.
During your apheresis donation, whole blood is drawn from you into a sterile, single-use, kit. The apheresis machine next to you centrifuges your blood, retaining only the needed components. The unused components are returned to you as part of your donation. Saline solution, which is used to replenish lost fluids and an anti-coagulant used to prevent clotting, is also returned.
To pass the time, you can watch TV, choose a movie from our video collection, or bring you favorite move with you. You can also bring your own reading material.
Platelets are essential for blood clotting. They support cancer therapy, open heart surgery, organ transplants, and blood disorders. A platelet donation takes longer than a whole blood donation. Platelets MUST be transfused within 5 days and needs constant replenishing. Qualified donors can give platelets up to 24 times per year.
Qualifications for apheresis donors are the same as whole blood donors. If you wish to donate platelets, you must stop any aspirin therapy for at least 72 hours prior to donating. It is recommended that you take calcium the night before your donation and on the day of your donation. Calcium is in any dairy product.
Since platelets are collected using a special apheresis machine, platelet donors must schedule their appointments.
Donating platelets on the apheresis machine take 40-60 minutes. Several factors are considered and the machine will tell us how long your donation will take.
Help more patients. Target your Blood Donation Today! To be an Apheresis Platelet Donor, please contact Grace Gehrke at 718-780-3644 or email donateblood@nym.org.
