Updated at: 07-10-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Platelet donation may not be as well-known as blood donation. You can tell from the title of this article what you need to know about platelet donations.

Several different substances can be found in human blood, which may surprise you. Each of these pieces may also be given on its own, so keep that in mind. There will also be a discussion of blood components and their functions. The fascinating workings of the human body can now be studied in greater depth. If you take the time to read this essay, you’ll learn just how vital our blood is to our life. Since this is the case, let’s get the party started!

Components Of Blood

What components make up the blood? Blood components can be donated separately. There are five components in human blood. This section goes into great detail about each one of the components.

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Component #1. Red blood cells

Red blood cells, or RBCs, are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout our body. They distribute oxygen by transporting it from our lungs to our bloodstream. Athletes and physically active people have better-oxygenated blood due to their more active bloodstreams. Red blood cells are responsible for the blood’s red color. These cells are derived from bone marrow. Up to 42 days if stored in a donation container. It must be kept cool while being stored. Before making a double red blood cell donation, educate yourself on the subject.

Component #2. Platelets

It is the RBCs, which carry oxygen throughout the body, that are responsible for delivering it to all of the organs. As they move oxygen from the lungs into the circulation, they distribute it throughout our bodies. Physically active people have more oxygenated blood because of their active bloodstreams and higher metabolic demands on oxygen transport in the body. The presence of red blood cells gives our blood its red tint. These cells are derived from the bone marrow of the bone marrow donor. It can be stored for up to 42 days in a donation container. It’s important to keep it cool while storing it. Before making a double red blood cell donation, educate yourself about the process.

Component #3. Plasma

Because the blood cells are only suspended in plasma, plasma acts as a carrier for the rest of the blood’s cellular content. Because of the large amount of red blood cells, the blood’s liquid component may appear to be red as well. Is blood red or blue? When this blood component is eliminated from whole blood, it can be shown that it had no effect on the color of the blood. Non-water components such as essential proteins, minerals, hormones, and vitamins make up only 8 percent of the body’s weight. When stored properly, plasma has a shelf life of up to a year. All of them must be frozen. Plasma transfusions are used in the treatment of those suffering from bleeding problems. Plasma transports the electrolytes our muscles require while also ensuring that our body’s pH remains balanced.

Component #4. Cryo

“Cryo” is the name given to plasma that has been frozen and then gently warmed. Cryo is distinguished by its bright white color. This blood component, like plasma, can be stored for a year. Their blood has exceptional clotting properties, which helps to minimize bleeding. They reduce bleeding when the body is harmed. The bleeding must be stopped in order for the platelets to do their job of sealing the wound. Cryotherapy is most commonly used to treat hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease.

Component #5. White Blood Cells

Defending the body from foreign invaders is white blood cell’s job. Invading microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria, are among the things it removes. When white blood cells come into contact with bacteria or viruses, they create antibodies. Eventually, they build up a resistance to them. Platelets and white blood cells are frequently needed by persons who require them. To combat the infection that’s weakening their bodies, extra “soldiers” are needed.

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What A Platelet Donation Is?

Some people may wonder, “Just what is a platelet donation?” The night before you give your platelets, make sure you get enough sleep. Several days prior, have a high-calcium diet. A machine that solely removes platelets is used to make platelet donations. A two-arm approach will be employed in this therapy.

During blood extraction, platelets are collected from the blood and the rest is returned via a machine to the opposite arm in the process. They’ll offer you some blankets to keep you warm when your blood begins flowing again. The entire treatment takes about three hours. Rehydrating and sleeping after donation will help donors recover their platelets as rapidly as feasible. Learn more about the wonderful health advantages of regular blood donation by checking out these 13 facts.

Why is there always a need for platelets?

Storage of platelets at room temperature extends their shelf life to 5-7 days. Frozen plasma and red blood cells can be kept for up to a year and 42 days, respectively. As a result, there is a constant need for platelet contributions. In order to meet patient demand, we must regularly refill our platelet supply because of their limited shelf life. As a benefit to patients, platelets can be given up to 24 times per year.

Who Needs Platelets?

Lifesaving medical operations often require platelet transfusions. Transfusions of platelets are necessary for patients having open-heart surgery, cancer treatment, and bone marrow transplants. Platelet donations are in high demand due to the short shelf life of platelets (only five days). Platelet transfusions are required by thousands of patients every year.

  • This patient underwent six separate cardiac surgeries.
  • A burn patient is divided into 20 separate units.
  • An organ transplant recipient with 30 units.
  • Patient requiring 120 units of blood.

What is Apheresis?

It is possible to donate specific components of the blood through an apheresis donation such as platelets. Blood components that aren’t needed are returned to the donor during the apheresis procedure.

Who Can be an Apheresis Donor?

If you meet the requirements for donating blood, you can donate platelets as well. apheresis donors must adhere to the following rules

  • be at least 18 years old
  • keep a healthy weight in check
  • A minimum of 114 pounds
  • Donors should abstain from taking aspirin or other aspirin-containing products for at least 48 hours before donating.

Are Apheresis Donations Safe?

Yes. Each gift is monitored by a team of competent professionals throughout the procedure. There is little risk of significant bleeding because only a small part of your platelets are taken. Normally, your blood returns to normal within 72 hours after a blood transfusion. All of the donation equipment (such as needles, tubing, and collection bags) is sanitized and discarded after each donation in order to prevent the transmission of disease.

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How Does the Procedure Work?

Cells are automatically separated from your blood during Apheresis donation. The machine spins your blood and extracts the platelets in a sterile kit. After that, your arm’s artery is used to deliver the remaining blood components back to your arm.

How Long Does it Take?

Depending on your weight and height, the Apheresis donation procedure could take 70 minutes to two hours. You can sit back and relax while helping to save a life while watching television or watching a videotape on your computer.

How Can I Become an Apheresis Donor?

Bloodworks Northwest’s Apheresis Program can be reached at 425-453-5098 or 1-800-398-7888.

Additional Donor Information on Apheresis Procedures

Hemostatic effect of platelets Each time you donate, your platelet count will be checked to make sure you have enough to safely donate to someone else. When you make your first donation, we’ll check your platelet count and get back to you if it’s low or high.

We use citrate-based anticoagulants to keep the blood flowing while our device collects platelets. By momentarily binding calcium, the citrate helps to keep blood flowing normally and reduces the risk of clotting.

Your blood is mixed with a “anticoagulant” during the collection process to keep it from clotting. When the blood is returned to you, the anticoagulant can cause tingling and numbness in the fingers or around the mouth. Notify the machine operator right once if you experience any tingling or numbness. These symptoms may be alleviated by calcium, but if ignored, they may increase and result in excruciatingly painful muscle cramps. The citrate will be utilized by your body as a source of energy.

It’s A Wrap!

Now that you know what platelets are, it’s nice to know that you can donate them up to 24 times a year. Platelets can be given up to seven days in a row. We are confident that individuals in need will be grateful for our efforts. Please allow me to express my gratitude for the time and effort I put into putting this post together. The necessity of blood donation and why my blood donation was rejected may be of interest to you.