Platelet (SDP) Donor Registration

Your platelets can save a life.

Why Donate Platelets?

Platelets are tiny blood cells that help your body form clots to stop bleeding. For many patients battling cancer, undergoing organ transplants, or suffering from chronic diseases, healthy platelets are essential to their recovery and survival. A single platelet donation can provide a therapeutic dose for a patient in need, significantly impacting their ability to fight disease and heal.

Unlike whole blood donation, platelet donation (also known as apheresis or SDP - Single Donor Platelet) allows you to donate just the platelets, returning your red blood cells and plasma to you. This process makes it possible to donate platelets more frequently, typically every 2-4 weeks.

Who Needs Platelets?

  • Cancer Patients: Chemotherapy and radiation can damage bone marrow, leading to a severe drop in platelet counts. Platelet transfusions are crucial for preventing life-threatening bleeding during treatment.
  • Organ Transplant Recipients: Patients undergoing organ transplants often require platelet transfusions to manage bleeding during and after surgery.
  • Patients with Blood Disorders: Individuals with conditions like aplastic anemia or leukemia may have impaired platelet production.
  • Trauma Victims: Accident victims often suffer massive blood loss, requiring large quantities of platelets to help clot their blood.
  • Surgical Patients: Certain surgeries can lead to significant blood loss and may necessitate platelet support.

The Platelet Donation Process (Apheresis)

Platelet donation is a safe and specialized process that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. During apheresis, a machine draws blood from one arm, separates the platelets (and sometimes plasma), and then returns the remaining blood components to your other arm.

  • Preparation: You'll undergo a brief health screening and your blood volume will be calculated.
  • Donation: You'll be comfortably seated, and a sterile, single-use kit will be used for the procedure.
  • Post-Donation Care: After donation, you can enjoy refreshments and relax for a short period before resuming your normal activities.

Eligibility Requirements

To ensure the safety of both donors and recipients, certain eligibility criteria apply:

  • Minimum weight: [Insert Weight, e.g., 50 kg (110 lbs)]
  • Age: [Insert Age Range, e.g., 18-60 years]
  • Good general health
  • No aspirin or aspirin-containing medications for at least 48 hours prior to donation
  • No recent infections or certain medical conditions
  • Adequate platelet count (checked before donation)
  • Note: Specific criteria may vary by location and blood center guidelines. We will provide detailed information upon inquiry.

Join our community of life-savers!

Your single act of kindness can bring hope and healing to many. Register today to learn more about becoming a Platelet (SDP) Donor.