What are platelets and why are they donated separately?
What platelets do
Platelets are tiny cells that clump together to stop bleeding. Patients whose bodies cannot make enough of them depend on donors.
How they are collected
A machine draws your blood, separates out the platelets, and returns your red cells and most of your plasma. This is called apheresis.
Why the need never stops
Donated platelets last only about five to seven days, so centers need a steady stream of donors every single day.
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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
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- Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
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