Platelet Donation

[Panic Button]

I'm a regular blood donor and have had a letter asking if I would like to be tested for suitability for platelet donation.

Apparently they remove platelets from your blood and put it back in you. I am keen to help where I can as you never know when you or family will need medical help.

However are there any other things I should know about? Is it as safe as they say it is? I can't afford time off work if it makes me ill.

[bunny29]

I do it all the time - it takes longer than a regular blood donation (about 1.5 hrs) but it is not painful at all and has never caused me any problems at all (except a little bruising at the needle sites). Also, dress warmly because you may feel a little chilly during the process since the blood is taken out and returned to your body (so it cools down a bit in the machine). Sounds creepy, but I assure you it isn't! Anything else you want to know?

[Panic Button]

Thanks for the rapid reply.

In the literature it says something about adding citrate to stop it clotting inside the machine, and this can cause tingling around lips and fingers until they slow it down. Have you experienced that?

[bunny29]

Yes, I had that with the shivers. It only starts for me about 1/2 hour into the session, and as soon as it is over it disappears. It is not uncomfortable, just a bit of a strange sensation. And I am a total wimp about pain and discomfort, so this was really minor. The place where I donate has individual TV screens for each seat, so the time passes fairly quickly. It really is a wonderful thing to do, and I feel really good about myself whenever I do it! Sometimes I specify the donation for someone I or a friend knows, but usually I just donate to the general pool, if that makes any sense!

[mattie]

I am also a regular blood donor, and was tested for platelet donation, but I don't produce enough apparently, not everyone is a suitable platelet donor.

[Panic Button]

I hope I am accepted, but in a funny sort of way I won't be disappointed if rejected.

I feel I should offer, but it has to be done at a main donation centre because of the equipment.

That involves a fairdrive to a major hospital, so will be quite time consuming. No doubt the usual high hospital car park charges will apply aswell.

I remember once being rejected for a normal blood donation, because my iron level was too low. It was an odd feeling, like failing an exam you expected to pass.

[moonshadow]

I have never donated blood but recently thought I should,is there an age limit?Panic Button could you explain what happens and what test did you have when you were rejected (sorry to mention that bit )?How long does it take?

[Panic Button]

The test is simple, they clean your finger and prick it witha sterile device to draw a drop of blood. This is dropped into a special chemical in a test tube and the drop has to float (I think). If it does the opposite it indicates your iron level is too low.

That is not to say you are anaemic, but there is a danger you would be if you donated. At the time I had been working hard on night shifts and was a bit run down. It was the kick up the backside I needed to eat better and look after my body.

[Panic Button]

Moonshadow, the age timits for starting are 17 - 59

Here is a link to look at for info

http://www.blood.co.uk/index.html

They always need new donors, so if you feel able to, please do it.

[moonshadow]

Thanks for all the info and link Panic Button,the donor van is due locally very soon so I shall go along.