DONATING PLATELETS (Apheresis)

Platelets are the blood cells that help stop the body from bleeding. They are continuously needed by patients undergoing cancer treatments, major surgery and transplantation; and by those with diseases affecting platelet production. It takes platelets combined from at least six whole blood donations to provide the platelets available in one single donor platelet donation.

Originally, the only way to collect enough platelets for a single transfusion dose was to take platelet components collected from several whole blood donations and pool them to create a single dose. Now donors can give one to three platelet doses in a single donation. A platelet pheresis donor may even give enough platelets in one donation for two precious platelet transfusions.

Only healthy donors like you can provide patients with the platelets they need to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Your platelet pheresis donation reduces the patients’ risk of exposure to multiple donors and related complications.

How much blood is taken?
One donor can give less than one pint of blood during a platelet pheresis donation procedure. The body is usually able to replenish its supply of platelets very quickly, so it is always at a plentiful supply. That’s why qualifying donors can give platelets every 48 hours (but no more than 24 times per year). Drinking plenty of fluids before and after donating blood will help replenish fluids and minerals.

Platelet Pheresis (Apheresis) Donation Requirements:

  • In good general health
  • Weigh at least 110 lbs
  • At least 17 years old (no upper age limit)
  • No high-risk factors for HIV or hepatitis
  • No history of viral hepatitis after the age of 11
  • No cold, flu, or symptoms of illness for seven days before donating
  • At least 48 hours since your last platelet donation (4 weeks since your last whole blood donation). Platelet pheresis donors must have previously donated whole blood successfully
  • Eat a healthy meal before donating platelets. Avoid fatty foods with a high lipid content, e.g., anything fried, gravy, mayonnaise, etc. Drink plenty of water during the 48 hours prior to donation. Try to avoid carbonated and high-caffeine beverages.
  • No strenuous physical activity for at least 12 hours after donation.

What can I expect when I donate?

Platelet Pheresis (Apheresis)
During a platelet pheresis donation:

  • The blood is drawn from your arm into a single use kit with sterile pathways.
  • The separator carefully removes the platelets (and a small amount of plasma), returning your remaining blood components to you.

The typical process takes about 60 – 90 minutes. Once a donor registers, a trained professional will check vital signs, iron levels, and temperature. The donor will also complete a health history questionnaire to ensure eligibility. The actual donation is complete within 1 – 1.5 hours. Donors may choose to view a movie or TV program, read a book, listen to music or just rest. Once the donation is complete, donors enjoy refreshments and a short period of rest. As a parting “thank you” for this tremendous contribution, successful donors are provided 2 complimentary movie passes to any AMC/Loews Cinema.

Qualifying donors can give two to three doses of platelets instead of one, with a slightly longer donation time.

The body is usually able to replenish its supply of platelets very quickly, so it is always in plentiful supply. That’s why qualifying donors can give platelets every 48 hours (but no more than 24 times per year).

Where does the blood go?
MedStar Health Blood Donor Services provides blood and blood products to patients in the Maryland – Washington, DC region and is a not-for-profit MedStar Health System.

Where can blood donors donate platelets?
Blood Donors interested in donating platelets can make an appointment at the following MedStar Health facility:

Washington Hospital Center
Blood Donor Center
110 Irving St., NW, Rm. 1010NA
Washington, DC 20010

Appointments can be scheduled Monday – Saturday depending on availability. This location is metro accessible and parking is validated.

How do I get started?
Contact Shandy Destin at 301-931-4418 or Shandy.C.Destin@medstar.net for more information today.

TWO WAYS TO DONATE! 1. Make a pledge, and we'll schedule an appointment. 2. Call the Blood Donor Hotline at 1.866.49.DONOR (1.866.493.6667). Reveal the Superhero in You. Give Blood. Save Three Lives.

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