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Donate Platelets - Overview
Overview | FAQ | Where to Donate
 
Platelets: A New Generation of Blood Donors
Apheresis (A-fer-ree-sis) is a special type of blood donation that allows for the collection of a specific blood part, or component, such as platelets. Platelets aid in the clotting process to prevent or stop bleeding, and are vital in helping a patient with leukemia or other cancers. Hoxworth needs 40 platelet donors each day to keep up with the needs of our area hospitals.
 
Due to recent advances in the treatment of these serious illnesses, the demand for platelets is growing dramatically. Components collected from whole blood donations can no longer meet current demands. With one apheresis donation, the amount of platelets collected is six to nine times more than a regular blood donation.
 
Punches For Platelets Donor Frequency Program
 
 

To make an appointment to donate platelets at one of our neighborhood donor centers please call our appointment center at (513) 451-0910.

For more information or to schedule a platelet drive please contact: Deborah Norris at (513) 451-0910.

Hoxworth uses the Trima® Accel™ Collection System for our apheresis platelet, plasma and red cell donations.

Why are platelets important?

Each blood component has an important function. For example:

  • Platelets aid in the clotting process to prevent or stop bleeding and help treat patients with cancer, leukemia and other diseases.
  • Plasma carries other clotting factors and helps treat coagulation disorders.
  • Red blood cells carry oxygen and help treat anemia, trauma and burn patients.
  • White blood cells combat infection.

Because platelets are used in treating numerous serious health problems such as leukemia, cancer and aplastic anemia, they can often mean the difference between life and death. Due to recent advances in the treatment of these serious illnesses, the demand for platelets is growing dramatically. Whole blood donations alone can no longer meet current needs.

Normally platelets from six to nine whole blood donations are required to achieve a single transfusion. Because healthy people have an abundance of platelets, the apheresis procedure will yield enough platelets in a single donation to achieve a transfusion without risk to the donor.

Unlike red blood cells, which may be transfused up to 42 days after donation, platelets must be transfused within five days. That's why platelet donors are so important. When you give platelets, you know there is a patient with a very serious health problem waiting to receive your donation.

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