Apheresis Donation

WHAT IS APHERESIS?

Apheresis (ay-fer-EE-sis) is a special blood donation where whole blood is withdrawn from a donor and then separated into red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma to collect adequate amounts needed for transfusions. For the platelets and red cells, the procedure takes 2 to 2 1/2 hours, while the plasma is collected simultaneously. Once blood testing for diseases is complete, the platelets are made available to the patient.  

HOW DOES APHERESIS WORK?

Apheresis is a very safe, sterile, and disease-free, procedure that is closely monitored by highly trained medical professionals.  During the procedure, the donor rests comfortably in a reclining chair while a disposable needle is inserted into a vein in one of their arms.  Less than a pint of blood flows through a disposable sterile tube into a cell separator where platelets and/or plasma are removed.  Apheresis takes approximately 2 to 1/2 hours.  While you wait, snacks are provided as well as access to wireless internet, cable television or choose a movie from our large DVD collection.

HOW WILL APHERESIS AFFECT ME?

Because only a portion of a donor's platelets are removed, the body normally replenishes these within 2-4 days; however, immediately following the donation, normal activties can be resumed.  Each donor is allowed to give a single unit of platelets once every 48 hours, no more than twice a week or 24 times a year.