Platelet Donation
If you want to make an extra-special difference in someone's life and you have a little bit of time to spare, you might want to consider donating platelets at the North Colorado Medical Center Blood Donor Center.
- Learn more by calling:
(970) 350-6100
Platelet donation, also known as "platelet pheresis" (say "fuh-REE-sis"), takes a little bit longer than regular blood donation, but the rewards are often more immediate. Here are a few of the common questions that people have about platelets and platelet donation.
What are platelets, anyway?
Your blood has three main types of cells, and each is assigned a different function. Red cells carry oxygen, white cells fight infection, and platelets help stop bleeding. When you have a cut or injury, platelets circulating in your blood swarm to the site of the injury and form a barrier to help your blood clot.
What type of patient needs to receive platelets?
Many hospital patients, especially people with blood-related cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, do not have enough platelets, and they can have severe, life-threatening bleeding from even small injuries. This is often true for patients undergoing chemotherapy for other forms of cancer, as well. Heart surgery and trauma patients often need platelets, too, especially when they have severe bleeding from their surgical procedures or injuries.
Why is it important to donate platelets?
In terms of statistics, we transfuse fewer units of platelets than regular blood. However, platelet shortages are a very common problem for us (and for all donor centers), since platelets can only be kept for a maximum of five days after they are collected (as opposed to 42 days for blood).
How long does it take to donate platelets?
The equipment that we use is state-of-the-art, and you will simply recline and relax for about an hour and a half while the machine removes a small percentage of your platelets. We are often able to harvest enough platelets to help two different patients, while making sure that you keep enough for your own safety!
What other things should I know about donating platelets?
Platelet donors cannot be taking aspirin or other medications that have effect on your own platelets. This includes ibuprofen in all its forms (such as Motrin or Advil), but does not include acetaminophen in all its forms (Tylenol). If you are taking an anti-inflammatory, you may want to call us to check and see if the medication you are taking is OK. Even if you are on one of the platelet-damaging medications above, you can donate platelets if it has been at least 36 hours since your last dose.
Also, if you agree to be a platelet donor, we will take great care to ensure that you have enough platelets to spare (usually not a problem), and we will make sure that you meet the criteria for all of our other blood donors. All of our blood donors are special, but platelet donors are in especially great need.
How can I donate?
Please call the Donor Center at (970) 350-6100 to schedule an appointment or for any questions.
