why donate platelets instead of whole blood

Why donate platelets instead of whole blood? There is a critical and constant need for blood platelets because platelets only have a shelf life of 5 days. Platelets are tiny specialized blood cells that are essential to clot formation in order to stop bleeding.

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What are the side effects of donating platelets?

Jul 28, 2011 · Platelet donation eligibility is the same as whole blood with a few additional requirements. We screen each donor for the antibody to the cytomegalovirus and typically only draw platelets from those who test negative. In addition, at least one prior whole blood donation must be made at SBC in order to determine eligibility.

What are the risks of platelet donation?

A platelet donation can provide a full dose of platelets for a patient, sometimes up to three patients. Many physicians and hospitals prefer it for patients requiring a platelet transfusion. A smaller needle is used for a platelet donation compared to a traditional whole blood donation so some donors find it to be more comfortable.

Should you be donating platelets?

Key Uses: Cancer treatments, Organ transplants, Surgery. Platelets can be prepared by using a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from donated whole blood. Platelets from several different donors are then combined to make one tranfusable unit.

What are the requirements for donating platelets?

Sep 28, 2018 · Why donate platelets instead of whole blood? There is a critical and constant need for blood platelets because platelets only have a shelf life of 5 days. Platelets are tiny specialized blood cells that are essential to clot formation in order to stop bleeding. For most of us, platelets jump into action when we skin a knee or nick ourselves shaving.

How is donating platelets different than blood?

You can donate only platelets, too. This process is called apheresis and is slightly different from giving a whole-blood donation. During the platelet donation, blood is removed from one arm, and then a centrifuge separates out the platelets. The rest of the blood then returns to the donor through the other arm.Mar 7, 2017

Is donating platelets good for you?

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.

Is there a downside to donating platelets?

Most donors feel fine after donating blood or platelets, but a small number of people may experience an upset stomach, feel faint or dizzy, or have bruising, redness or pain where the needle was inserted. It's helpful to drink extra fluids for 48 hours following your donation.

What blood type is best to donate?

Whole Blood Types O negative and O positive are best suited to donate red blood cells. O negative is the universal blood type, meaning that anyone can receive your blood. And O- and O+ blood are both extra special when it comes to traumas where there is no time for blood typing.

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.

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.

Why do lips tingle when donating platelets?

Some feel a slight tingling sensation around the lips and nose during donation. This reaction is caused by the anticoagulant used in the procedure. This can be easily controlled if the donor tells the staff about his or her discomfort.

How many calories do you burn donating platelets?

Burning calories. 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.

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

What is the golden blood type?

Rh null blood groupThe golden blood type or Rh null blood group contains no Rh antigens (proteins) on the red blood cells (RBCs). This is the rarest blood group in the world, with less than 50 individuals having this blood group. It was first seen in Aboriginal Australians.

Are platelets or whole blood needed more?

The donation process takes minutes more than whole blood. AB- donors are also encouraged to donate platelets because they are compatible with several other blood types.

What's the healthiest blood type?

People with type O blood have the lowest risk of heart disease while people with B and AB have the highest. People with A and AB blood have the highest rates of stomach cancer. People with type A blood can have a harder time than others managing stress because they often produce more of the stress hormone cortisol.Aug 13, 2020

What is platelet donation?

Platelets are blood cells that help stop bleeding. And while a whole-blood donation can be broken into components, one of which is platelets, for patient usage, a unit from apheresis platelet donation can yield approximately six times the number of platelets compared to whole-blood-derived platelet donations.

How long can platelets be stored?

Platelets have a shorter shelf life than whole blood, which can be stored at 4 degrees Celsius for up to 42 days. Platelets can only be stored at room temperature, and for only five days. For this reason, it is important that platelet donors come in regularly so there is always a supply for patients who may need it.

How long does it take to recover from apheresis?

This allows more than enough time for their platelet count to recover. An apheresis platelet donation does take more time in the donor chair – up to two hours compared to the approximately ten minutes it takes to draw whole blood. That is because a special machine must be used.

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.

Why do cancer patients need platelets?

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

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.

How long does it take to donate platelets?

Donating Platelets. Since platelets must be used within 5 days of donation, there is a constant need for platelet donors. Learn more about donating Platelets ». Plasma is the liquid portion of blood; our red and white blood cells and platelets are suspended in plasma as they move throughout our bodies.

How are platelets obtained?

Alternately, platelets can be obtained using an apheresis machine which draws blood from the donor’s arm, separates the blood into its components, retains some of the platelets, and returns the remainder of the blood to the donor.

What is the most common type of blood donation?

Whole Blood is the simplest, most common type of blood donation. It’s also the most flexible because it can be transfused in its original form, or used to help multiple people when separated into its specific components of red cells, plasma and platelets.

How long do red blood cells last?

Red blood cells are prepared from whole blood by removing the plasma (the liquid portion of the blood). They have a shelf life of up to 42 days, depending on the type of anticoagulant used. They can also be treated and frozen for 10 years or more.

How long does it take for platelets to be used?

Since platelets must be used within 5 days of donation, there is a constant need for platelet donors. Learn more about donating Platelets ». Plasma. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood; our red and white blood cells and platelets are suspended in plasma as they move throughout our bodies.

What is the function of plasma?

Blood plasma serves several important functions in our bodies, despite being about 92% water. (Plasma also contains 7% vital proteins such as albumin, gamma globulin and anti-hemophilic factor, and 1% mineral salts, sugars, fats, hormones and vitamins.)

How long do platelets last?

Platelets are made in our bone marrow. Color: Colorless. Shelf Life: 5 days.

How long does it take to donate platelets?

Donating platelets, though, can take up to two hours (please don’t stop reading). Here’s why: in a lot of short cycles of draws and returns, your blood runs through an apheresis machine, where a centrifuge separates some platelets and plasma out, and returns your red blood cells.

Why are my platelets low?

Leukemia and other blood diseases can also cause a seriously low platelet count. During chemo or radiation therapy, your platelets take a huge hit. If someone has undergone cancer treatment, chances are they needed a transfusion of platelets at some point, too.

How long do platelets last?

How we’re meeting the platelet needs in our community. First, some numbers: red blood cells have a shelf life of 42 days, and you can donate every 56 days. Platelet donors can give every 7 days. But… the shelf life is only 5 days, and after required (and necessary) bacterial testing, they’re only usable for 3 days.

Can thrombocytopenia cause low platelets?

So, not having enough platelets (thrombocytopenia) can obviously lead to some serious trouble. In a trauma situation, for example, a patient is likely to receive a ratio of red blood cells and platelets to keep their clotting balanced out. Leukemia and other blood diseases can also cause a seriously low platelet count.

How many times can you donate platelets?

Platelets can be taken from a whole blood donation but when you make a platelet donation using automated technology you donate 6 to 10 times the amount of platelets than can be obtained from a whole blood donation. A patient needing platelets will require that amount for one treatment.

Why is plasma important?

Plasma is needed to maintain a person's blood pressure and assists in clotting. Therefore, it is vital in the treatment of burn patients, patients in shock and bleeding disorders. About Platelet Donations. Schedule a Platelet Donation.

What is plasma used for?

Plasma is needed to maintain a person's blood pressure and assists in clotting.

How does a centrifuge work?

The blood then literally 'takes a spin' in a centrifuge to separate your platelets from other blood components. The platelets are collected in a separate bag and the remainder of your blood is returned to you. This cycle is repeated several times to generate the required volume of platelets.

The difference between donating blood and platelets

The procedure to donate platelets is complicated, takes longer — about two hours — and requires a needle in each arm as opposed to a blood donation which can be done in less than half that time and only uses one arm.

For one donor, giving platelets is personal

Mike Conley of Essex Junction became a regular platelet donor years ago. As he laid back at the Burlington Donor Center, a needle in each arm, he explained that, for him, it's personal.

How to donate blood or platelets

For more information about donating blood or platelets, go to the American Red Cross donor site or call 1-800­-RED CROSS (1-800­-733-2767).