who can donate blood platelets

How much do you get paid for donating platelets?

Platelets can only be donated at select American Red Cross Donation Centers and it requires an appointment. They cannot be given at a blood drive. Platelet donation uses a machine to extract just your platelets and then returns the rest of your blood back to you.

What are the risks of donating platelets?

are aged between 17 and 70 (if you are over 70 and have donated blood or platelets within the last two years, you are still eligible) have enough blood to donate safely are able to regularly spare up to 2 hours to donate at least 4 times a year can travel to a …

Do you get paid to donate platelets?

You can help by donating platelets through the American Red Cross. Visit http://redcrossblood.org/platelets or call 1-800-RED CROSS for more information. Thank you to ALL who donate platelets. Because of you ALL and your selflessness, I'm able to live, raise my daughter, go on in life, and make memories.

What are the side effects of donating platelets?

Platelets hold a unique power to save lives. Cancer patients are a primary recipient of platelets due to the harsh effects of chemotherapy. Platelet donations are done using a process called automation (sometimes referred to as apheresis). Automation allows us to collect specific components of your blood at a larger volume.

Can any blood group donate platelets?

Platelets are not as type specific as red blood cells, meaning that most patients can accept platelets from donors with any blood type, regardless of the patient's blood type.

What blood type is best for donating platelets?

type ABAll blood types, except for type O negative and type B negative, are encouraged to try platelet donation. Type O negative and type B negative can make the most impact for patients in need by continuing to give whole blood or a Power Red donation. If you are type AB you can make the most impact by donating plasma.

Why can O+ donate platelets?

Just as AB+ is the universal blood type for platelets, O neg is the universal blood type for red cells. Just 7% of the population has O- blood, so that's why O- donors should always give red blood cells.Apr 13, 2021

Is it painful to donate platelets?

Does donating platelets hurt? Will it make me feel sleepy? Most people say they only feel a slight pinch of the needle at the start of the donation. Because platelet donors get their oxygen-carrying red cells back, donors report feeling less tired than after giving blood.

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.

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.

What is the difference between plasma and platelet donation?

Plasma is collected while undergoing platelet apheresis. It's a similar procedure to platelet donation, though in plasma collection, the red blood cells and platelets are returned to the donor, while the clinic keeps the plasma.Jun 14, 2016

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.

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.

What not to do after donating platelets?

After the procedureDrink extra fluids.Avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for about five hours.If you feel lightheaded, lie down with your feet up until the feeling passes.Keep your bandage on and dry for the next five hours.More items...•Mar 4, 2021

Can you read a book while donating platelets?

The donation process itself takes about 90 minutes. You will be able to lay back and relax, read a book or magazine, watch a TV show or movie from our multimedia library on a personal TV screen, or surf the Internet with our free WiFi.

How old do you have to be to donate platelets?

You need to: have A negative, A positive or AB negative blood. have given blood or platelets before. be between 17 and 65 (find out more if aged 66+) have enough blood to donate safely. be able to spare up to 2 hours to donate.

How old do you have to be to donate blood?

Depending on your donation history the age you can join us will vary. Generally you can switch to platelet donation if: 1 you are aged 17 to 66 and have given blood or platelets before 2 you are between 66 and 70 and have given blood or platelets before 3 or if you are over 70 and have given blood or platelets in the last 2 years

How many people have a high platelet count?

To find out if you are suitable to give platelets there are some things you can check now and some things we check during an assessment when you next give blood. Around 50% of people have a high enough platelet count to be able to donate.

Do you need to be a blood donor before you can donate platelets?

You will need to be a blood donor before switching to platelet donation. Starting as a blood donor is a good way to get used to donating before committing to giving platelets. What you should do next depends on whether you have donated before.

Is it safe to give platelets to everyone?

AB negative. Platelets from people with these blood types are safe to give to almost everyone and are constantly needed by hospitals. By increasing the number of donors with these blood types we can provide the right platelets for everyone who needs them, when they need them.

Can you give blood before switching to platelets?

Never given blood before - start giving blood before switching to platelets. About giving blood. Donated platelets in the past - you can give platelets again if you meet the criteria. Call us on 0300 123 23 23 to make an appointment. Once you make the switch to platelet donation you cannot continue to give blood.

Why do we need platelets?

Millions of Americans need platelet donations to survive and fight cancer, chronic diseases, or traumatic injuries. According to studies done by the National Cancer Institute in 2018, an estimated 1,735,350 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. Play Video. Importance of Platelet Donation Explained by Pediatric Oncologist.

How many platelets are transfused in a year?

For millions of Americans, they are essential to surviving and fighting cancer, chronic diseases, and traumatic injuries. About 2 million units of platelets are transfused each year in the U.S.

What is the function of platelets?

Platelets are colorless cell fragments called thrombocytes. Their main function is to stick to the lining of blood vessels and stop bleeding. The process of clotting begins if one of your blood vessels gets damaged. The vessel sends out signals that are picked up by platelets.

Does chemo affect platelets?

Some types of chemotherapy can damage bone marrow, which lowers the production of platelets. Cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma attack the bone marrow as well.

How often can you donate platelets?

You can donate platelets every 7 days and can give up to 24 times a year. If you have donated whole blood, you must wait at least 7 days before you can donate platelets.

What are the best days to donate platelets?

In routine circumstances, the best days to donate platelets are Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday to meet hospital needs. In times of critical need, the best day to donate platelets is today.

Donation Methods

Let your blood type lead the way to donate your powerful lifesaving gift.