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Patients with cancer or leukemia, transplant patients,
and people with blood disorders such as aplastic anemia,
benefit from platelet transfusions. During
chemotherapy and radiation treatment, both cancer cells
and platelets are destroyed. Many of these
patients need platelet transfusions to prevent
uncontrolled bleeding.
Platelet donations are made through a process called
apheresis. From
registration to refreshments, donating platelets takes
approximately two hours. During the process,
donors can relax and watch a movie, read a book, listen
to music, or visit with the Central Blood Bank apheresis
staff.
The donation does not significantly decrease the number
of platelets in the donor’s body, and the donated
platelets are replaced in approximately two days. Donors
experience no bleeding problems.
Platelet donors can donate every two days and up to 24
times a year. If donors alternate between donating
platelets and whole blood or plasma, the waiting time
varies. Ask a Central Blood Bank staff member
about these requirements or call the Central Blood Bank
Apheresis Department at 412-209-7030, or toll free at
1-866-DONORS-1, ext. 2.
Platelet Donor Qualifications
The qualifications for platelet donors are similar to
those for whole
blood donations. Donors with type A blood are asked
to consider donating platelets.
Donors interested in donating platelets should call
Central Blood Bank’s Apheresis Department at
412-209-7030 or toll-free at 1-866-DONORS-1 ext. 2 to
schedule an appointment, or you may or you may
schedule
your appointment online.
Due to the special process involved with donating
plasma, Central Blood Bank collects plasma at the
following community donor centers only:
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