Who can be an apheresis donor?
If you meet the requirements for donating blood, you probably can give platelets. Apheresis donors must: • be at least 18 years old • be in good health • weigh at least 120 pounds • not have taken aspirin, products containing aspirin or feldene within, 72 hours prior to donation. How Does the Procedure Work? Blood is drawn from your arm through sterile tubing into a bowl spinning in a centrifuge. The spinning bowl fills with blood and the components are separated into layers or bands by weight and density. A valve opens when the platelet band reaches the top of the bowl. These platelets are stored in a collection bag outside the machine, while the remaining blood components (red cells and plasma) are returned to you. This draw and return process is repeated 6-8 times. How Long Does it Take? Depending on your weight and height, the apheresis donation process will take approximately 70 minutes to two hours. You may watch television or videotapes, listen to music, or simply sit back and r
