Blood Assurance emphasizes need for platelets
lifeline.”
That constant demand for ongoing treatments combined with their short shelf life means shortages are the norm, not an exception.
That is why some donors of Type A+, B+ and AB blood, for which the demand is less than for other blood types, are being asked to donate plasma or platelets, according to Executive Director of Community Outreach Jay Baumgardner.
Platelet donations take slightly longer to complete than those of whole blood donations where no fluids are returned to the donor. But that extra time is compensated by platelet donations being less taxing on the body. That is particularly important during hot weather, when drawing blood can cause a sense of fatigue brought on by dehydration.
“Platelet donations actually rehydrate our donors,” Baumgardner said during the quarterly meeting of Blood Assurance’s North Georgia Advisory Board.
During a platelet donation, blood is taken from one arm and channeled through a sterile, disposable kit and into a machine that separates the blood into different components with platelets being kept while the rest of the blood is returned to the donor.
Not only are more platelets able to be collected this way than with a whole blood donation, platelet donations can be made more frequently.
While a healthy individual can donate whole blood once every 56 days, or six times a year, but platelet donations can be repeated every seven days — up to 24 times per year.
“We want to encourage people to come and donate in August, period, or at least four times a year to help all those in need,” Baumgardner said.
Nationwide, he said one out of every seven patients in a hospital will require a blood product of some sort. Whether platelets, plasma or whole blood, to donate blood is to truly give the gift of life.
“Platelets are in constant demand by
hospitals to help give cancer patients the strength they need to keep fighting and help patients survive serious injuries and major surgeries,” said Dr. Jennifer KeatesBaleeiro, MD, MA, pediatric specialist at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. “The platelets you donate may help save a cancer patient just a few days following your donation, as patients battling cancer often lack platelets due to the cancer or as a side effect of treatment. Seeing platelets save the lives of my patients every day I can tell you first hand that they are constantly in need. I urge you to donate and help those in your community, young and
old, get the platelets that are essential for their recovery.”
During the month of August, all Blood Assurance donors will be entered into a drawing to win a $1,500 travel voucher.
To schedule an appointment to donate platelets at any Blood Assurance center, text ‘STEP’ to 444999, or call 800-962-0628.
To be eligible to donate, you must be at least 18 years old (17 and 16 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids (avoiding caffeine) and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating.