What are Platelets and why are they so special?
Platelets are assigned the important task of clotting blood to stop bleeding. Patients who need chemotherapy to treat cancer have a lower number of platelets in their body. This can cause internal bleeding which complicates the patient’s ability to fight cancer. Platelet donations are vital for cancer patients to receive their treatments. Platelets must be used within 5 days, meaning your contribution has an immediate impact on a patient’s life.
Atlanta Blood Services collects platelets through an automated process called apheresis. This process allows you to donate enough platelets for one to three transfusions. This process also allows platelet donors to be eligible to donate with ABS every 8 days or up to 24 times a year.
Tips for preparing to donate platelets:
Donating platelets is easy and can be done by almost anyone.
Get a good night's rest. You should be feeling healthy and well on the day you donate.
Eat a hearty meal before donating.
Drink plenty of water in the days before and after donating platelets. (Avoid coffee, caffeine, and alcohol as they can cause dehydration.)
Do not take aspirin or products containing aspirin 48 hours prior to donation.
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What can you expect on the day of your donation?
You may review the educational materials and use the link to access Quick Pass. This will give you the opportunity to answer most of your screening questions before you arrive at our center and save you some time!
When you arrive, you will be asked to present a Photo ID and if completed, your Quick Pass bar code.
Once registered, you will be taken to the history room. Our staff will check your vital signs, draw a sample of blood and review your donor questionnaire.
If your vitals and blood work are within expected ranges and it is determined that you are eligible, you will be taken to the donor room.
We’ll provide blankets, help you get connected to Wi-Fi or share one of our Kindle’s and offer you snacks and a drink.
Once your arm is prepped the collection process will begin. It is important that you remain still during the collection process. Please let the staff know if you have any questions about the process or if you feel uncomfortable at any time.
Once the collection process is completed, we will check your vital signs again and make sure that you are feeling well. Our staff will review your post donation instructions. It is important that you continue to hydrate well, eat well, and do not do any strenuous exercise for 24 hours after your donation.
Most donors can expect to be with us for 2 to 2 ½ hours for Platelet donations and 1 ½ to 2 hours for Red Blood Cell donations.
This is a great time to schedule your next donation!