Download FAQs about Donating Platelets to Benefit Patients - Dana

FAQs about Donating Platelets to Benefit Patients
at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital
What are platelets?
Platelets are the blood component serving as the body’s “bandages.” They allow blood
to clot, helping wounds to heal.
Why are volunteer platelet donors so important?
People undergoing treatment for cancer—as well as accident victims, transplant
recipients, and many other patients—are often at serious risk because their blood does
not clot properly. They need transfusions of healthy platelets to control their bleeding.
Volunteer donors are the only source of platelets for these patients.
Being able to count on volunteer platelet donors at all times is especially important
because platelets have a shelf life of just five days. Volunteer donors ensure that there
will always be a sufficient supply of platelets for patients in need.
Where can I donate platelets to benefit Dana-Farber and Brigham and
Women’s patients?
Platelets benefiting patients at both institutions are collected at the Kraft Family Blood
Donor Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
The Kraft Center is located on the first floor of the Jimmy Fund Building at 35 Binney
Street in Boston.
How can I find out if I am eligible to donate platelets?
You can call 888-LETS-GIV (538-7448) or email [email protected] to learn
more about your eligibility. In general, to donate platelets, you should be:
• At least 17 years old
• 110 pounds or heavier
• In good health
And you should not:
• Have had a dental procedure, including a routine cleaning, within 48 hours
of donating
• Have taken any antibiotics within 72 hours of donating
• Have taken any aspirin, or drugs containing aspirin (such as Anacin, Excedrin, or Feldene), within 48 hours of donating
• Have taken any Aleve, ibuprofen, or drugs containing ibuprofen (such as Advil,
Motrin, Nuprin, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications), within 24
hours of donating
• Have felt sick within 72 hours of donating
Does my blood type make a difference?
If you are blood type AB, your platelets are especially valuable to certain
patient populations. However, platelet donors of all blood types are always needed
and welcomed!
How long does platelet donation take?
The exact time varies from donor to donor. In general, you should plan on spending
about two hours at your donation appointment.
What should I do to get ready for my donation appointment?
• Eat a nutritious and filling meal on the day of your appointment (including plenty
of calcium).
• Make sure you are well-hydrated. Try to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water
the day before and the day of your donation.
• Bring a valid photo ID with you to your appointment.
What happens during the donation process?
• When you check in, you will be asked for your photo ID. Then, you will complete
a confidential questionnaire about your medical and travel history.
• Next, you will go into a private screening room to go over your questionnaire.
• You will then have a mini-check-up (including taking your temperature and blood pressure) to confirm that you are eligible to donate that day.
• You will then move to a comfortable, heated chair in our main donation area.
• For your platelet donation, a single-use kit is used and disposed of after the collection process.
• During the collection process, platelets are separated and your red cells and plasma are gently returned to you.
• The donation process itself takes about 90 minutes. You will be able to lay back and relax, read a book or magazine, watch a TV show or movie from our multimedia library on a personal TV screen, or surf the Internet with our free WiFi.
• After the donation is complete, you will be asked to remain in the Kraft Center for a few minutes and enjoy snacks and drinks.
Does donating platelets hurt? Will it make me feel sleepy?
Most people say they only feel a slight pinch of the needle at the start of the donation.
Because platelet donors get their oxygen-carrying red cells back, donors report feeling
less tired than after giving blood. (Many people also report feeling great after donating
because they know they’ve helped patients in need!)
What should I do after my platelet donation appointment?
• We encourage donors to drink plenty of good fluids (water and juices) after donating. This will help keep your body well-hydrated.
• Eat well the day of your donation and don’t hesitate to snack if you feel hungry.
How often can I donate platelets?
As long as you are healthy and continue to meet the eligibility criteria, you can safely
donate every seven days. Many of our platelet donors schedule regular appointments
every other week.
For more information, please call 888-LETS-GIV (538-7448) or email [email protected].
Thank you for being a donor!