how often is it good for your veins to donate platelets

by Dr. Gregory Batz Jr. 7 min read

You can donate platelets once in a seven day period and up to 24 times a year. You must wait at least 7 days after donating platelets before donating whole blood. After an automated double red cell collection, you must wait 112 days before donating again.

It is safe to donate platelets as often as every two weeks, however for many people every 4-8 weeks is convenient.

Full Answer

How often can you donate platelets?

Every 15 seconds someone needs platelets. Platelets must be used within five days and new donors are needed every day. That’s why we need you. Find a Drive Submit "I’ll never forget the feeling of gratitude that washed over me when I saw …

How are platelet donations collected?

Mar 25, 2014 · Platelet donors can donate every 7 days. That’s because platelets are replaced quickly and barely any red cells are lost. I go to the Red Cross. Same location too, cause it’s about 5 miles from my apartment. I have a Red Cross Donor card that gets scanned every time I go, so the staff always know about my frequency.

How is platelet donation different from whole blood donation?

Jul 19, 2017 · Remember to increase your intake of fluids, calcium, and iron at least two days before your platelet donation appointment – this will help prevent negative donation reactions. You CANNOT take aspirin for 48 hours before you donate platelets , because aspirin reduces the potency and performance of your platelets.

How long does it take to donate plates?

Jul 19, 2021 · Drink LOTS of fluids in the 24 hours prior to donation as it just makes your veins poufy and phlebotomy easier. Remember, you will be stuck in a chair for about 2 hours, so lay off those liquids in the hour or so immediately prior to your donation time. You can eat/drink during the donation, so feel free to bring your own snacks.

How often can you safely give platelets?

24 times a yearYou may donate platelets every seven days, up to 24 times a year.

Can you donate platelets too often?

You can donate platelets once in a seven day period and up to 24 times a year. You must wait at least 7 days after donating platelets before donating whole blood. After an automated double red cell collection, you must wait 112 days before donating again.

Is giving platelets good for your body?

A donation of platelets can help people who have issues related to clotting. It may also provide antibodies to help fight a disease, such as COVID-19. Giving blood can be a life saving action, but it may also have benefits for the donor.

Can I donate platelets every month?

Platelet donors may donate as often as every eight days, and up to 24 times in a 12-month period. Double red cell donors may donate as often as every 168 days.

Why can't females donate platelets?

The antibodies could be harmful if transfused into certain patients. The antibodies are present in plasma — and platelet donations contain a high volume of plasma, so our current efforts are directed at screening blood samples from female platelet donors to test for the HLA antibody.

What disqualifies you from donating platelets?

What Conditions Would Make You Ineligible to Be a Donor? You will not be eligible to donate blood or platelets if you: Have tested positive for hepatitis B or hepatitis C, lived with or had sexual contact in the past 12 months with anyone who has hepatitis B or symptomatic hepatitis C.

What should I eat before donating platelets?

You should eat a regular meal and drink plenty of fluids one to two hours before donating platelets. We also suggest that you increase your consumption of calcium-rich foods (such as dairy products) or take a calcium supplement the evening before your donation and also the morning of your donation.

Why do they check your elbows when donating plasma?

Because arteries have higher blood pressure than veins, a puncture can lead to bleeding into the arm tissues around the puncture site. The signs of an arterial puncture include a faster blood flow and lighter-than-usual color of blood running through the tubes to the machine collecting your plasma.

How many calories do you burn donating platelets?

No, blood donation won't become a weight loss fad any time soon. However, researchers at the University of California, San Diego have found that you can lose up to 650 calories per pint of blood donated.

Is it better to donate blood or platelets?

Whole blood donors are eligible to give blood every 8 weeks. Platelets are another way to maximize your donation as an A+ blood type. Hospitals are always in need of platelets as they are critical to blood clotting. Platelet donors are eligible every 2 weeks.

Do platelets need to match blood type?

When considering a platelet transfusion, one must consider the ABO compatibility of the platelets themselves, as well as the accompanying plasma. Platelets, like red blood cells (RBCs), express ABO antigens, although expression is variable and strongly expressed in only 4% to 7% of individuals.Dec 4, 2020

How long does it take to recover from platelet donation?

It doesn't take long to recover after giving platelets as your body replaces platelets quickly, usually within 48 hours. Don't forget to book your next appointment at the welcome desk before you leave or by calling 0300 123 23 23.

How often can you donate platelets?

You should consume plenty of calcium-rich foods and beverages for a few days prior to your donation. You may donate platelets every seven days, up to 24 times a year. Read more about eligibility requirements including travel and medication restrictions.

How long does it take to donate platelets?

Platelet donation uses a machine to extract just your platelets and then returns the rest of your blood back to you. From start to finish, it takes about three hours to donate platelets. Both arms are used during a platelet donation.

How long does it take for a platelet to be transfused?

After your platelet donation, they are immediately tested and prepared for delivery to a hospital. On average, platelets are transfused within 3 days of donation. About 2 million units of platelets are transfused each year in the U.S.

Why do cancer patients need platelets?

Without a platelet transfusion cancer patients face life-threatening bleeding because platelets help blood to clot.

How long can platelets be stored?

What is shocking, is that platelets can be stored for only 5 days. So the need for them is great and continuous. Those who donate may only have time to donate whole blood which only takes about an hour. To donate platelets you need to allow for the procedure to take about 3 hours.

What is platelet clotting?

Platelets are cells that assist in normal blood clotting. You need appropriate blood clotting when you cut your self or damage your body, in order to stop bleeding. They are made from cells in the bone marrow. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can inhibit the production of platelets in the bone marrow.

What are platelets used for?

Platelets, which come from the bone marrow, help to induce clotting and control bleeding. Patients who have been treated for leukemia with chemotherapy, for example, will often need to transfused with platelets. Here are a couple other fun facts about platelets: 1 Platelets are also called thrombocytes. 2 Platelets are the smallest of the blood components and can only be seen under a microscope. 3 Platelets have two states, active and non-active. Non-active platelets are shaped like small plates but when a blood vessel is damaged, the platelet receives a signal and rushes to the area to transform into its active state. In the active state, the platelet grows long spider-like tentacles that bind to the vessel, cause a clot, and stop the bleeding.

What is the smallest blood component?

Platelets are the smallest of the blood components and can only be seen under a microscope. Platelets have two states, active and non-active. Non-active platelets are shaped like small plates but when a blood vessel is damaged, the platelet receives a signal and rushes to the area to transform into its active state.

Can you donate more than one blood product?

As some of you may already know (and some of you may not!), you can actually donate more than one type of blood product. When you think about blood donation, most people probably first think of whole blood (when a person gives one pint of their blood). But another equally important type of donation is platelet donation.

How old do you have to be to donate platelets?

Anyone can become a platelet donor if they are generally in good health and aged 17 to 65, for those who had never donated before. For those who are above 65, they can only donate platelets if they had donated prior.

What happens after a platelet donation?

In cases of any unusual experience like suffering from discomfort after the platelet donation process , it is advised that the donor seeks immediate medical attention from a doctor.

Why is my platelet count low?

When thrombocytopenia develops, where the number of platelets in the blood is considerably lower than normal levels, it increases the risk of bleeding as platelets are responsible for blood coagulation.

How many platelets are in a liter of blood?

The number of platelets in the blood is referred to as platelet count and normally ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 per one millionth of a liter of blood. A platelet count with less than 150,000 per microliter of blood is termed as thrombocytopenia while a platelet count greater ...

Is platelet donation lifesaving?

The donation of platelets has proven to be lifesaving especially in patients with thrombocytopenia who experience bleeding episodes. It is with platelet transfusion that the control of excessive bleeding in patients can be made possible.

Why do people need platelets?

Individuals in need of platelets are usually patients undergoing chemotherapy or sometimes organ transplant and therefore, have weakened immune systems. When a platelet dose is sourced from a single donor, it reduces the patient’s exposure to possible multiple donors and is preferred by most doctors. Read more:

Can a person with leukemia have platelets?

People with leukemia, patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy, and hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) cannot produce their own platelets due to suppressed bone marrow. Prophylactic transfusion is used in these settings which can only be possible with platelet donation.

How often can you donate platelets?

Platelets are cells that help form blood clots and control bleeding. People can usually donate platelets once every 7 days, up to 24 times a year. Plasma-only donations can typically be done once every 28 days, up to 13 times a year.

How often can you donate red blood cells?

Whole blood contains red cells, white cells, and platelets all suspended in a liquid called plasma. According to the American Red Cross, most people can donate whole blood every 56 days.

How long does it take for blood to replenish?

The time it takes to replenish blood from a blood donation can vary from person to person. Your age, height, weight, and overall health all play a role. According to the American Red Cross, plasma is generally replenished within 24 hours, while red blood cells return to their normal levels within 4 to 6 weeks.

What to eat before blood donation?

Eat well. Eating foods rich in iron and vitamin C before you donate will help make up for the drop in iron levels that can happen with a blood donation. Vitamin C can help your body absorb plant-based iron from foods such as: beans and lentils. nuts and seeds. leafy greens, like spinach, broccoli, and collards.

How old do you have to be to donate blood?

According to the American Red Cross, there are some criteria with regard to who can donate blood. In most states, you must be at least 17 years old to donate platelets or plasma and at least 16 years old to donate whole blood. Younger donors may be eligible in certain states if they’ve a signed parental consent form.

How long after birth can you donate blood?

You must wait 6 weeks after giving birth to donate blood. This includes a miscarriage or abortion. Travel to countries with high malaria risks. Though travel abroad doesn’t automatically make you ineligible, there are some restrictions that you should discuss with your blood donation center.

How does a sterile needle work?

A new sterile needle will then be inserted into a vein in your arm, and blood will start to flow into a collection pouch. While your blood is being drawn, you can relax. Some blood centers show movies or have a television playing to keep you distracted.

How often can you donate plasma?

However, the American Red Cross limits plasma donations to 12 a year, so you’re better off donating once a month rather than once a week. Some blood centers impose longer waiting times between donations. Anyone eligible to donate whole blood is eligible to donate plasma.

How old do you have to be to donate blood?

The Red Cross requires all donors to be healthy, at least 17 years old, and weigh at least 110 pounds. If you have a chronic disease, you’re considered eligible to give blood as long as you’re being treated and you feel well.

Why do we need plasma?

Plasma is the cell-free part of blood that helps maintain our circulatory volume and supplies proteins needed for blood clotting and immunity. Donated plasma usually is used to control bleeding, often among burn victims and newborn babies in critical condition.

Is it safe to give blood?

Giving blood is safe, it is easy and, as the Red Cross says, it is the right thing to do. (Incidentally, because it lowers iron levels, it may also be the healthy thing to do. Lower iron correlates with lower risks of both heart disease and cancer.) Andrew Weil, M.D.