There are about one billion red blood cells in two or three drops of blood.
A platelet transfusion can be the difference between life and death for leukaemia patients and people undergoing chemotherapy. As new treatments develop, more patients are being successfully treated with platelets which mean there is a growing demand for platelet transfusions.
Platelet donor criteria:
Platelets and plasma can be taken from a whole blood donation too. But one donation of platelets by apheresis provides the same amount of platelets as 8 to 12 whole blood donations combined.
There is also minimal risk of iron depletion because red blood cells are returned to the donor.
To learn more or to sign up to be a Platelet Donor, please contact one of the following Donor Centres:
How to become a platelet donor (pdf, 1.7 MB) |
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