Patient education: Platelet and plasma donation (The Basics)

What are platelets and plasma? — 

These are parts of the blood.

Blood is made up of:

●Red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body

●White blood cells, which help fight infections

●Platelets, which help the blood to clot

●Plasma, which is the liquid part of the blood that carries different proteins around the body

How is donating platelets or plasma different from donating blood? — 

When you donate blood, the amount that is removed is called a "unit." The blood bank can then separate the different parts of the blood to get a unit of platelets and a unit of plasma. But people who need platelet or plasma transfusions often need many units.

You can donate larger amounts of platelets or plasma by a process called "apheresis." This process is different from regular blood donation. With apheresis, you are connected to a machine that removes platelets or plasma from your blood, then returns the rest of your blood to your body. Even though several units of platelets or plasma are removed, you still have enough to be healthy. Your body will make more to replace what was removed.

Donating platelets and plasma and donating a unit of blood are both done to help people who need a transfusion. Transfusions can be life-saving for people with certain health problems.

You do not get paid for donating blood or for donating platelets or plasma by apheresis. Some companies that use plasma to make medicines will pay donors. But this is not used for plasma transfusion.

Who can donate platelets or plasma? — 

In the US, you have to:

●Be at least 16 or 17 years old (depending on the state)

●Be healthy

●Meet all of the requirements for regular blood donation

Donation centers have a list of rules for donating. Some of these are to protect the person donating the platelets or plasma. Others are to protect the person who gets the platelets or plasma. A trained staff person will ask you questions and make sure that you are able to donate.

For donating plasma, most centers only allow male donors. This is because plasma from female donors is more likely to cause a serious reaction called "TRALI" in the person who receives the plasma. TRALI is caused by the immune system of the donor. It does not mean that there is anything wrong with the plasma.

What questions will I be asked before donating platelets or plasma? — 

A staff person will ask you questions about:

●Whether you are feeling sick – Do not donate if you don't feel well or have an infection or fever.

●If you are (or might be) pregnant – Do not donate if you are pregnant.

●Medical conditions you have or had, including cancer and severe heart or lung disease

●Your medicines and recent vaccines – Some medicines can be dangerous for the person who receives the platelets or plasma.

●Drug use, sex partners, tattoos and piercings, and travel to certain countries – These things can affect the risk of certain infections, like HIV, malaria, or hepatitis.

●Your last platelet or plasma donation – You need to wait a certain amount of time before you can donate again.

Ask the staff people if you have questions or if there is anything you do not understand.

What happens during platelet or plasma donation? — 

For apheresis donations:

●You will lie on a cot or sit in a reclining chair. The staff person will place 2 "IVs," usually 1 in each arm. An IV is a needle connected to a thin tube that goes into a vein.

●Blood will flow through 1 IV into the apheresis machine, where platelets or plasma are removed. Then, the rest of the blood travels through the other IV back into your body. Usually people read, watch TV, or have a conversation during this time.

●The staff person will remove or disconnect the IVs and cover the areas with clean bandages. You might be asked to leave the bandages on for a few hours.

●It usually takes about 2 to 3 hours for the whole visit. You might be attached to the machine for 1 to 2 hours.

●The staff people will watch you closely to make sure that you are feeling well and give you a snack. Then, you can go home.

What are the risks of donating platelets or plasma? — 

The staff people will tell you the possible risks and answer your questions. Possible risks include:

●Bleeding or bruising

●Infection from the IV

●Low blood pressure

●Feeling dizzy, numb, tingly, or cold

What else should I know? — 

Before you go home, make sure that you know what problems to look out for and when you should call the doctor. Make sure that you understand any instructions. Ask questions about anything you do not understand.

More on this topic

Patient education: Blood donation (giving blood) (The Basics)
Patient education: Blood transfusion (The Basics)

Patient education: Blood donation and transfusion (Beyond the Basics)