Apheresis

Just what is apheresis? An apheresis donation offers donors a unique way to give the gift of life. Literally meaning “to separate,” an apheresis donation actually separates your blood into components as you sit in the donation chair. This page contains the answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding this unique donation process. Please read below to learn more about apheresis donation.

What does an apheresis donation entail?

Is apheresis the same as a platelet donation?

What are platelets?

Why is apheresis donation so important?

Who is eligible to donate platelets?

How often can I donate platelets?

The process:

The process of an apheresis donation is simple. First, make your appointment by calling us at 1-800-272-2123. When you arrive for your appointment, the same preliminary steps will be taken that are completed for whole blood donors. This includes a private health history consultation and testing for iron level and body temperature. Once our professionals have determined that it is safe for you to donate platelets, you can sit back and relax in one of our state-of-the-art donation beds, equipped with private movie viewing and headphones.

An apheresis donation involves two needles. A needle is placed in each arm, and each is connected to an automated collection machine. Whole blood is collected from one arm. The whole blood is then sent through a centrifuge, which separates the platelets from the other blood components. Throughout the process, the remaining blood components are being returned to you through the other arm. The entire donation time is about 2 hours.
Back to top

Is apheresis the same as platelet donation?

Yes. In an apheresis donation, you are donating platelets.

What are platelets?

Platelets are tiny, colorless, irregularly shaped, cell fragments from large bone marrow cells. In their resting state, they form the shape of tiny “plates,” hence their name.

Platelets help blood to clot. When bleeding occurs, platelets clump together to prevent the body from fatal hemorrhaging – or excessive bleeding. Platelets are used to treat patients such as cancer patients, trauma victims, those receiving organ transplants and patients with certain blood diseases.

Why is apheresis donation so important?

It requires six whole blood donors of the same blood type to make up one platelet unit. This same platelet unit can be collected from one apheresis donor.

Who is eligible to donate platelets?

Those with high platelet counts are ideal for apheresis donation. Whole blood donors who are identified as ideal candidates will be notified by the American Red Cross. Basic eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Must be at least 17 years old (16 in state of MD with written parental permission)

• Must weigh at least 110 lbs.

• Must not have received a tattoo or body piercing within the past year.

• Must be in generally good health the day of the donation.

• For more eligibility criteria, click here .

How often can I donate platelets?

Federal minimum guidelines dictate that platelets can be donated every 7 days, up to 26 times per year. If you have recently donated whole blood, you may donate platelets 3 days following your whole blood donation. You may donate whole blood again 3 days after you donate platelets.

Please note, the American Red Cross often encourages scheduling appointments further apart than these standards dictate, in order to allow the donor's iron to replenish to safe levels. Please call 1-800-272-2123 with specific donation questions.
Back to top

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment for platelet donation, or if you have more specific questions about the process, please call us at 1-800-272-2123.