What is different about donating platelets and how long does it take?
It is now easier, and in many cases faster, to donate platelets. Only one of your arms is used to withdraw blood, filter out the platelets, and return the rest of the blood to you. Your other arm is free to turn pages in a book, click on a laptop keyboard, or scratch an itch during the 70-90 minute donation procedure. This is in addition to the time it takes you to complete your registration form and have your medical history taken and reviewed. Plan to spend about 2 1/2 hours in the Blood Donor Room when you are donating platelets.
