Donating Platelets

[joggerjayne]

I got a letter today from the blood service asking if I'd donate platelets.

Has anyone done it?

Is it just like giving blood?

[Octavius]

Pretty much. Your blood is taken, platelets extracted, and then your blood is given back. All in one process, not like by Royal Mail or anything.

http://www.blood.co.u...the-donation-process/

[Nibble]

As the medical services in Afghanistan have discovered, the body usually doesn't need whole blood with major injury, however, as you'll notice if you've cut yourself, your body "leaks" a clear-ish liquid through the injury site. This liquid is actually platelets being laid-down to reseal the dermis, and aid recovery of the injury.