What
Platelets are one of the essential blood components MEDIC provides to local hospitals. Platelets are small particles in your blood. They help your blood clot when you receive a cut or bruise, preventing excessive blood loss.
Why
Many platelets go to help cancer patients. A side effect of many types of chemotherapy causes the body to stop producing enough platelets temporarily. Platelets only have a shelf life of 5 days — making them extra special because the need is constant. By the time platelets are donated, tested, and sent to hospitals, they must be transfused very quickly.
Where
Platelet donations must be made at a MEDIC donation center. We are unable to take these types of donations at community drives. MEDIC has four donation centers located in Downtown Knoxville, Farragut, Athens, and Crossville.
When
Because the body reproduces platelets so quickly, platelet donors can donate up to 24 times a year. Platelet appointment times vary by location.
Who
Donors with type A+, B+, AB+, and AB- make the best platelet donors but those with O+ and A- blood can also donate. Women who have been pregnant may carry an antibody preventing them from donating platelets. Although this antibody presents no risk to the person who has it, in sporadic cases, it could create complications for the person receiving her platelets. All women must undergo a blood test to determine whether they are eligible to donate platelets (the blood test appointment will be a sample-only appointment).
How
Platelets are donated through a process called apheresis. If you’ve ever donated on the Alyx machine, you know what we are talking about. The donor’s blood goes into a machine where it is spun rapidly until it is separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Most of the plasma and red cells are returned to the donor leaving behind a small bag of platelets. The process is not painful. The needle used is smaller than the needle used for whole blood. However, the donation process may take around two hours to complete.
First-time donors should call 865-521-2683 or 865-521-2684 to discuss eligibility and the process. Please do not self-schedule as a first-time donor.
Ongoing donors can self-schedule through their MEDIC member account or call us at 865-521-2683 or 865-521-2684 for an appointment.