The Rock River Valley Blood Center Needs Platelets

Platelets support blood clotting and give those with leukemia and other cancers a chance to live.

However, platelets have a shelf-life of only five days, so the Rock River Valley Blood Center (RRVBC) needs donors to keep their supplies up-to-date and ready to go.

• Children being treated for cancer, premature infants and children having heart surgery need blood and platelets from donors of all types.
• Cancer, transplant and trauma patients, and patients undergoing open-heart surgery often require platelet transfusions to survive.

The Rock River Valley Blood Center is running low, and they need your help. The entire process takes about an hour to two hours to complete, which is just slightly longer than a routine whole-blood donation.

RRVBC:

Platelet Donation (Plateletpheresis)

• If platelet donation only is done, an apheresis machine is used to collect platelets and a small amount of plasma. RBCs and most plasma are returned to the donor. Sometimes, a unit of plasma and RBCs may also be collected. The donation takes about one to two hours and WiFi and other entertainment are available.
• If platelet donation only is done, there is a shorter time before you can donate again. If RBCs are also collected, the donation interval is 56 days. Staff will inform you when you are eligible again.
• Platelets are used to prevent bleeding in patients who have reduced levels due to their disease or treatment.