When people make a whole blood donation, our laboratory personnel separates the unit into its components so that doctors and nurses can provide patients with exactly what the circumstance requires. Usually this is platelets, plasma and red blood cells.
An apheresis donation is a unique donation made only at our blood center and it is our most efficient way of collecting blood. The process involves separating the components while the donor is donating rather than in our laboratory. A small centrifuge next to the donor separates the whole blood into platelets, plasma and red blood cells, and we can collect all three at once or can return some components back to the donor via the same vein.
Apheresis donations enable us to collect exactly what components the local hospitals need on a given day. Platelets are the most desirable component and since they have a shelf life of only five days they are needed every day. In addition, donors can provide up to six times the quantity of platelets through apheresis than through a whole blood donation.
What are the blood components used for?
Red Blood Cells – carry oxygen to and remove carbon dioxide from all parts of the body. They are needed for trauma, surgery and anemia patients.
Platelets – are essential for blood clotting. They are routinely needed to support cancer treatments, open-heart surgery, blood disorders and organ transplants.
Plasma – is the liquid portion of blood and contains critical clotting factors. Plasma is used to treat patients with blood disorders and patients that require plasma exchanges.
Who benefits from Apheresis donations?
- Cancer patients
- Patients with blood disorders
- Trauma patients
- Burn patients
- Transplant patients
- Cardiovascular surgery patients
Am I eligible to be an Apheresis donor?
- You can donate if you are in good health, have donated whole blood in the past, and are comfortable with the Apheresis process.
- You must weight at least 110 pounds.
- You must not have taken products containing aspirin 48 hours prior to you platelets donation.
What are the steps in the Apheresis donation process?
Step 1 — Registration
When registering, you are asked to show a photo ID and fill out a questionnaire to determine donation eligibility.
Step 2 — Hydration
It is recommended to drink lots of fluids during the day. This is especially important for people near the minimum donor weight of 110 pounds. Proper Hydration is an important component of the healthy and enjoyable donation processs.
Step 3 — Medical History
A collections staff member goes over the completed questionnaire with you, then your vital signs are checked.
Step 4 — Apheresis Donation
While donating you can relax, read a book, watch a DVD, or surf with the web in a comfortable donor chair.
Step 5 — Post Donation, Donor Lounge
After donating you will be asked to spend 10-15 minutes in the donor lounge where we offer refreshments and snacks.
How often can I donate?
- You can donate whole blood once every 8 weeks
- You can give plasma 12 times a year
- You can give platelets up to 24 times a year
Take a look at our Apheresis donors in the Stories & news section of this website. Maybe you can consider joining the apheresis team.
I want to be an Apheresis Donor!
To schedule an appt, call us at 707-545-1222, or send an email to apheresis@bbr.org. Staff members are available to answer any questions you may have.