Apheresis Platelet Donations

Children with cancer or leukemia, transplant patients and patients with blood disorders, such as aplastic anemia, benefit from apheresis blood products. Many times during chemotherapy and radiation treatment, both cancer cells and healthy cells are destroyed, therefore patients need transfusions to prevent hemorrahging or to fight infection. A limited number of donors may be necessary for a specific patient.

What is Apheresis? 

Apheresis is a special kind of blood donation that allows collection of platelets, plasma and white blood cells. Blood is drawn from the donor's arm and sent through sterile tubing into a centrifuge located in a cell-separator machine. Platelets are small blood components that help the clotting process by sticking to the lining of blood vessels. White blood cells are responsible for protecting the body from invasion by foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses.

Platelet Donations

Platelet donations are very important for some of our patients.  The collection of platelets is more involved than simply giving blood because it does take up to 2 hours for the entire process to be completed. Donors may watch movies or read while donating platelets. We have early morning or early afternoon appointments available.