VERY IMPORTANT PLATELETS
LESS THAN 2% of our population PROVIDES 100% of our platelet needs.
Platelets, which aid the clotting process, are critical in the treatment of cancer patients, trauma victims, surgical patients and certain blood disorders. Thousands of patients in our community, ranging from newborn babies to seniors, require platelets every year.
Consider this...
- Platelets are only viable for five days and the need in our community is tremendous.
- Platelets are critically important to the survival of patients with leukemia, cancer, clotting problems, aplastic anemia, and patients who undergo major procedures such as open-heart surgeries.
- One serious trauma or illness can deplete a hospital’s supply of platelets.
- You can donate platelets every week, up to 24 times per year.
About platelet donation
During the donation process, called apheresis (a-fer-EE-sis), your platelets are separated from other blood components, which are returned to you with additional fluids. Platelets are constantly replaced in our bodies and are replenished within a few days of your donation.
Donating platelets takes 1.5-2 hours. SunCoast’s donor centers and platelet bus are designed to provide an environment where you can relax, watch a movie, read a book, chat with fellow donors, or simply enjoy some “me” time while performing a vital, lifesaving service.
Please note: donors cannot take aspirin products 48 hours prior to donating as it affects the clotting ability of platelets.
TYPE AB DONORS
For more information
or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.suncoastblood.org
Call toll-free 855-977-5283 to schedule a platelet donation.
5 DAYS
What is the most important thing you need to know about platelet donation?
What is the most important thing you need to know about platelet donation?
PLATELET FACTS
- There is no artificial substitute for platelets; the only source is a healthy, human donor.
- One drop of blood contains as many as 15,000,000- 40,000,000 platelets.
- Platelet donors can give more often (up to 24 times per year) because their red blood cells are returned to them during the donation process.
- It helps to eat a well- balanced meal beforehand, including iron-rich foods, but avoid consuming fatty foods, dairy products and aspirin.
- A cancer patient can use one to three units of platelets per day while undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
- There is no artificial substitute for platelets; the only source is a healthy, human donor.
- One drop of blood contains as many as 15,000,000- 40,000,000 platelets.
- Platelet donors can give more often (up to 24 times per year) because their red blood cells are returned to them during the donation process.
- It helps to eat a well- balanced meal beforehand, including iron-rich foods, but avoid consuming fatty foods, dairy products and aspirin.
- A cancer patient can use one to three units of platelets per day while undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
