What is apheresis?
Through a process called Automated Blood Collection, donors can safely give many times the amount of plasma, platelets or Red Blod Cells (RBCs) than can be obtained from a whole blood donation. Blood is drawn from the arm through sterile tubing into a centrifuge. The force of the centrifuge causes the blood to separate into components which vary in weight and in density. The plasma, platelet or RBCs are then drawn into a collection bag, while the remaining blood components are returned to you.
