How to Donate Platelets in Indianapolis, IN

Donating platelets can be a life-saving activity. These cell fragments are crucial in forming blood clots. It is important for patients suffering from cancer or who have recently gone through an organ transplant to receive platelets because they have weak immune systems and cannot form enough platelets to clot blood and repair blood vessels. Platelets can be extracted from the blood during plasma donation, or you can donate platelets separately. Platelet donation is easy and relatively painless, and can definitely save the life of a fellow Hoosier.

Things You'll Need

• Transportation
• Blood free of antibiotics for 24 hours
• Blood free of aspirin for 48 hours

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Instructions

• 1

  Use the Internet, Yellow Pages or other resources to find listings for blood centers in the metro area. The Red Cross and Indiana Blood Center have online resources where you can find locations close to you in the Indianapolis area.

• 2

  Make an appointment. While some blood donation centers do not require appointments, it is always important to check to see if appointments are necessary. If no appointment is necessary, ask which time is best to donate to ensure a short wait.

• 3

  Travel to the location. Most blood donations centers are conveniently located and are close to hospitals or health care complexes that are served by public transportation. Outlying blood centers can be in strip malls near major roads and have ample parking.

• 4

  The first time you donate, you will be given a short physical to make sure you are healthy enough to give platelets. Also, you will need to answer questions regarding your medical history.

• 5

  After the initial tests, it's time to donate platelets. The staff will show you into the donation room, and you will begin the process. Blood will be taken from your arm by needle, and returned to you after the platelets have been extracted.