How long does it take to donate platelets?
The breakdown
Check-in and screening take a little while, then the collection itself runs roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on the donation.
Make it easy
Bring headphones, a show, or a book. Many centers have screens. The time passes more easily than people expect.
Plan your day
Leave a buffer afterward to rest and rehydrate without rushing.
Related
Find a place to donate
Search by city, ZIP, state, or center name, or use your location to see the closest centers.
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Read the full pledgeSources and review
The guidance on this page reflects published criteria from these organizations. Eligibility and procedures vary by center and country, so confirm specifics with your donation center.
- American Red Cross
- AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Blood Donation
- Canadian Blood Services
- Last reviewed:
- Next review due:
- Reviewed by:
- Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
- Confidence:
- High confidence