It is possible to donate only a portion of blood using a technique called apheresis. Blood is drawn into an apheresis machine which separates the blood into different portions by centrifugation. The selected portion of blood, such as the platelets, can be recovered, while the rest of the blood is returned to the donor. Platelets are vital to the survival of bone marrow transplant patients, cancer patients and those with aplastic anemia and other immune compromised patients. This specialty blood product has a shelf life of only five days, compared to the 42-day shelf life of red blood cells. The shorter shelf life means that donors often give their time and lifesaving contribution on very short notice to meet special patient needs.

Plasma can also be collected during the apheresis procedure and is used for patients in surgery, in trauma, organ transplants and in the treatment of diseases.

Each year, more than 9,000 apheresis donations are needed to meet the needs of hospitals in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

What to Expect during an Apheresis/Platelet Donation

The apheresis donation is an automated blood donation process that takes approximately two hours. During that time one unit (commonly referred to as "one dose") of platelets is donated.

There are four steps in the apheresis blood donation process:

1. Confidential Medical History - To begin, donors complete a confidential form, including name, address and general health information. A series of health-related questions are included, and at this point, certain medications, health problems or conditions may disqualify you from donating blood. For example: if you are pregnant, or have a fever when you come to donate, or having angina, you cannot donate blood. Prior to donating., questions concerning travel are also included. Answers to those questions help determine if there are any reasons that might disqualify you from donating, such as travel to particular countries.

2. Mini-physical - After successfully completing the medical history, a mini-physical is performed by a qualified staff person. Temperature, pulse rate and blood pressure are checked, and a drop of blood taken from your finger will determine the iron level in your blood.

3. Platelet Donation - Blood is drawn through a needle into a sterile, disposable bag, which is connected to a computerized, apheresis machine. The apheresis machine separates the blood components and collects the platelets. Remaining blood components are given back to the donor along with replacement fluids. The donor's blood stays in the sterile, plastic kit and never comes into contact with the machine.

4. Beverages and Snacks - Finally, you can relax while you enjoy refreshments. This will help your body adjust to the slight decrease in fluid volume. Your body replaces that fluid within 24 hours. You then leave, knowing that you have just helped to save a life by donating platelets!

Fast Facts about Apheresis Donations

• It takes about two hours to separate one unit of platelets. The collection bag and tubes are sterile and used for only one donation.

• Individuals can donate frequently because their platelets are rapidly replaced, usually within one day.

• Platelets only last for five days and are usually transfused within three days.

• Bone marrow transplant, cancer, and leukemia patients benefit from single-donor platelets, which greatly reduce the chances of rejection from the patients' bodies.

• Apheresis donations can be made every 4 days, or up to 24 times a year.

• Single-donor platelets also reduce the risk of transmitting a cold or influenza, which can kill patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy.

To find out more about platelet donations, call Ben Hubbard at 757.623.4877 or to schedule your platelet donation, call 757.623.4880.