How to Donate Platelets, the Process and the Counts

Platelets comprise less than 1 percent of the entire volume of blood. Their main function is to interact with clotting proteins in order to stop bleeding. According to the American Red Cross, a single donation of platelets may provide two to three therapeutic platelet doses for a single patient or one dose for up to three different patients. In comparison, it would take four to six whole blood donations to equal a single therapeutic dose. While a healthy individual can donate platelets every seven days, yearly donations are limited to a maximum of 24. The typical platelet donation process takes between two and a half to three hours.

Instructions

• 1

  Locate a platelet donation center near you. You can call the American Red Cross at 800-733-2767 or visit their website in order to locate a donation center. Your local hospital is another source of information.

• 2

  Make an appointment to donate platelets. Because the platelet donation process requires a significant time investment, you should choose a day when you have no other commitments, particularly if this is your first donation. You should plan time to rest after the donation in case you experience extreme fatigue.

• 3

  Stop taking aspirin products at least 48 hours prior to your appointment. If you live in New York or Pennsylvania, state regulations require your last dose of aspirin to be 72 hours prior to donation.

• 4

  Drink plenty of fluids the day of your appointment.

• 5

  Meet with an intake volunteer and the health professional on staff. They will ask you some basic questions about your health, current medications and travel habits. In addition, they will take your blood pressure, temperature, pulse and test your hemoglobin and clotting time. This portion of the process should take between 30 to 45 minutes.

• 6

  Go to the donation room. This room often contains a TV and may have a personal DVD player or wireless connectivity. Donators are encouraged to bring personal music devices or books to entertain themselves during the donation process. You may be isolated or in a room with one or more additional donators.

• 7

  Begin the donation. A trained phlebotomist will insert a needle into the crook of one or both arms, depending on the design of the apheresis machine. This machine concentrates and extracts the platelets from your blood and returns the remaining blood components, plus a small amount of saline, back to your body. You will need to remain hooked to the machine for one and a half to two hours.

• 8

  Proceed to the recovery room. After the donation, a nurse or volunteer will escort you to a recovery room where you will be strongly encouraged to have a snack and a drink. You should stay in this room for at least 15 minutes until you determine how the donation will affect you. You may feel slightly fatigued or light-headed. Some people may pass out. However, this is rare and can be avoided by following the directions of your nurse.

• 9

  Do not engage in strenuous activity for the rest of the day. If possible, return home and eat a balanced meal to help your body replenish itself.