Apheresis Donor Program
- Blood Center Hours
Mon - Thurs: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Fri: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.- Contact the Apheresis Program
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 254-724-2933
Platelet and Dual Red Cell Donations
Platelet and dual red cell donations are collected through a single needle using an apheresis machine, which centrifuges — or spins — the blood to separate the blood components. The machine then collects either the platelets or red cells and returns all other blood components back to the donor in cycles.
Our friendly technicians will provide you with a personal television and a comfortable chair to relax in while you donate. Donation times vary by donation type and individual donor.
Platelets
Patients at Scott & White need at least 150 platelet donations every month. Platelet donations can only be stored for five days, so regular donations are needed!
+ What are platelets?- What are platelets?
Platelets is a blood component that helps the blood clot to prevent bleeding.
+ Who needs platelets? - Who needs platelets?
Many lifesaving medical treatments require platelet transfusions. Platelets are crucial for patients with leukemia and other types of cancer because healthy platelets are destroyed during chemotherapy and radiation.
Platelet transfusions are also necessary for some heart surgery patients and transplant patients.
+ How long is the donation process? - How long is the donation process?
Most donors are on the apheresis machine for an average of 50 minutes. The entire donation process, including registration, screening and donation, takes approximately 80 minutes.
+ How frequently can donors give platelets? - How frequently can donors give platelets?
Donors can donate weekly up to 24 times within 12 months.
Dual Red Cells
+ How does a dual red cell donation differ from a whole blood donation? - How does a dual red cell donation differ from a whole blood donation?
Whole blood donors donate all blood components — red cells, white cells, platelets and plasma.
The apheresis machine collects just red cells and returns all other blood components back to the donor. This allows donors to give twice the number of red cells at one time while still giving less fluid volume than during a whole blood donation.
+ How long is the donation process? - How long is the donation process?
Most donors are on the apheresis machine for an average of 35 minutes.The entire donation process, including registration, screening and donation, takes approximately 65 minutes.
+ How frequently can donors give dual red cells? - How frequently can donors give dual red cells?
A successful dual red cell donation can be given every four months (16 weeks).
Donor Qualifications
All whole blood, platelet and dual red cell donors must meet the same minimum donor eligibility requirements.
Additionally, dual red cell donors must have a minimum total blood volume, which is determined by gender, height and weight, and a minimum hematocrit based on that total blood volume. Find out if you meet the minimum weight requirement for your height 
Platelet donors cannot take aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatories for two full days prior to donating.