American Red Cross Platelet Pheresis Donation
Your Platelet Pheresis Donation Will Help . . .
Someone survive a life-threatening disease such as cancer.
Please . . .Give an area hospital patient another chance for life.
What is Pheresis?
Pheresis (fur-EE-sis) is a special kind of blood donation enabling the collection of platelets, the tiny precious cell fragments that clump together to help stop bleeding.
Why is the Need for Pheresis Increasing?
Because pheresis platelets are given by one donor, they can be specifically matched to patients by their Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) type. HLA is the protein marker used to identify and match platelets. Platelets obtained from whole blood donations must be pooled from as many as eight donors and cannot be individually typed and matched. With the ongoing advancements in cancer treatment and bone marrow transplantation, more patients are depending on specially typed and matched platelets to live.
Why Are Platelet Donations Important?
Patients who suffer with cancer, leukemia, or other blood disorders depend on platelet transfusions to live. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, used to rid the body of cancer and other diseases, attack and destroy many blood cells, including platelets. Patients undergoing cancer treatment need platelet transfusions to help prevent bleeding episodes.
What Can I Expect During a Pheresis Donation?
Pheresis donations are given at the local American Red Cross Blood Donor Center. The donor relaxes in a special contour chair. Blood is drawn from the donor and passed through a sterile collection kit which sits within a special cell separator. The platelets are collected, and the remaining blood is returned to you. Throughout the donation, donors may watch movies. The entire donation takes approximately two and a half hours, including registration, health assessment, and refreshments.
Who Can Give Pheresis?
The requirements for giving pheresis donations are the same as whole blood donations. You must be at least 17 years of age, weigh 110 pounds, and be in good health. Aspirin or aspirin products cannot be taken for three days prior to donation.
How Often Can I Donate?
Because platelets are quickly replaced within the body, donors may give as often as 24 times per year. Pheresis donors may continue to participate as whole blood donors.
Where Can I Donate?
Pheresis platelet donations may be made at the American Red Cross Blood Center, 29 New Commerce Boulevard, Hanover Industrial Park, Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania.
Did You Know?
When you become a platelet pheresis donor, (if you request) you can be registered with the National Marrow Donor Program as a potential bone marrow donor.
How Do I Sign Up To Give?
Call 1-800-432-8045, ext. 2161 or 570-823-7164 to make an appointment to give a pheresis donation. Or, click here to print out a card that you can fill out and mail to:
American Red Cross Blood Services
Pheresis Scheduling
29 New Commerce Blvd.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703
