Platelets aid in the clotting process. Like band-aids for the body, platelets are needed to prevent bleeding. They benefit patients, like those who develop bleeding disorders from leukemia and other forms of cancer. It is vital that platelet donations remain consistent and robust, as platelets must be transfused within five days of a donation.
An automated platelet pheresis donation uses specially-designed equipment that separates platelets from the blood and then returns the rest of the blood back to the donor. Some donors are able to give more than one platelet product at a time--and can provide up to 18 times the amount of platelets that can be retrieved from a whole blood donor. Platelet pheresis takes longer than a traditional whole blood donation, anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the donor.
The Golden Passport Platelet Rewards Program is Kentucky Blood Center's way of thanking platelet donors and encouraging them to give often.
Find out more about the Golden Passport Rewards Program.
Platelet donor requirements:
- Donors must be at least 16-years of age. Parental permission is required for 16-year old donors. Download the permission form here.
- Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds.
- Donors may not have aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen within 48 hours of a donation.
- Donors must have an adequate blood iron level.
- Donors must have an appointment to donate platelets.
Donors may give platelets up to 24 times a year.
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