Platelets

What are Platelets?

Every day, LifeServe sends platelet donations to local hospitals to save lives and treat patients. So what are they?

Platelets are tiny, life-saving components in our blood that are essential for clotting. Platelets are crucial for wound healing and blood clotting.

They stick to damaged vessels, forming a temporary plug and stabilize the area.

Platelets also help with tissue regeneration, support immune responses, and influence blood flow.

What's a Platelet Donation?

Every day, a platelet transfusion can mean the difference between life and death.

When you donate, a special machine will separate out platelets from red blood cells and plasma. This process is called apheresis. LifeServe takes care of the platelets, and we return the rest of the blood to you. Donating platelets can take around 2 hours, but we are here to help during the entire process. Our team can provide drinks and snacks, and we even have a TV, or phone or tablet holder, to make you as comfortable as possible during the donation.

It's a selfless act that directly impacts a patient's chance to recover, and live a healthy life.

Who needs Platelets?

Cancer Patients are one of the most frequent reasons for platelet transfusion. Chemotherapy and radiation can suppress bone marrow function, leading to a significant drop in platelet production.

Hematological Malignancies such as as leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and aplastic anemia directly affect the bone marrow's ability to produce platelets.

Patients with major surgery or trauma like heart surgery candidates, or those who have experienced severe injuries or massive blood loss may require platelet transfusions to control or prevent bleeding.

Premature Infants and those with conditions like neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) may require platelet transfusions due to low counts or bleeding issues.


"Once I got them (blood products), I always felt way better. It perks me up! That saved my life multiple times throughout this process." Clara Cirks *Stage 4 Lung Cancer* CLARA'S STORY	"It's a little bit of a process and it's a little bit of time, but the impact that we can make by donating not only can save someone else's life, but it can help improve the quality of their life. " Andrea McNeese *Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia* ANDREA'S STORY

Why are Platelets needed?

Unlike red blood cells, platelets have a very short shelf life. Just five days.

This means that there is a constant, and urgent need. Every 15 seconds, someone in the United States needs platelets. By donating platelets, you are giving hope to patients who desperately need them.

Can I donate Platelets?

Platelet donors must be at least 16 years old (with a signed parental/guardian consent form for donors under the age of 18) or older. Eligible platelet donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Platelet Donors can give a lot more frequently than whole blood. They can donate every two weeks, and up to 24 times a year.

Learn more: lifeservebloodcenter.org/eligibility

Help support the vital mission of

Saving Local Lives

Platelets

What are Platelets?

What's a Platelet Donation?

Who needs Platelets?

"Once I got them (blood products), I always felt way better. It perks me up! That saved my life multiple times throughout this process."

Clara Cirks

"It's a little bit of a process and it's a little bit of time, but the impact that we can make by donating not only can save someone else's life, but it can help improve the quality of their life. "

Andrea McNeese

Why are Platelets needed?

Can I donate Platelets?