Donate Platelets

What are platelets? Who needs platelets?

Platelets is one of the components that help the blood clot to prevent bleeding.

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, burn victims and transplant patients.

What is platelet apheresis?

A sterile, single-use needle draws blood from one arm and sends it to an apheresis machine. The machine centrifuges, or spins, the platelets from the blood and sends red cells and other blood components back to the donor in cycles.

How do I become a platelet donor?

1. Donate Blood

All platelet donors must meet the same qualifications as blood donors. In order to be eligible to donate platelets, you must have given blood at the Scott & White Blood Center within the past year. You will be eligible to donate platelets 56 days after donating blood.

For information about donating blood, visit our Become a Donor page.

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2. Schedule an Appointment

Because platelets are collected by a machine through a lengthier process than blood donation, you must schedule an appointment to donate platelets. To schedule an appointment, call 254-724-2933.

Platelets can only be stored for 5 days, and patients rely on your donation. If you cannot make your appointment, please cancel at least 24 hours in advance so we may find someone to donate in your place. Habitual cancellations and/or no-shows may lead to a reevaluation of your platelet donation suitability.

Note: Please do not to take any products containing aspirin or ibuprofen for two entire days before donating platelets. Taking these medications within two days of your appointment will cause you to be ineligible to donate.

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3. Donate Platelets

Just as in the blood donation process, you will register, get a mini physical and go through a medical and travel screening before each donation.

The length of the platelet donation varies from person to person. Generally, you should allow two hours for the entire process from registration through the donation.

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4. Eat Snacks!

We'll provide refreshments for you to snack on after donating platelets. In addition, all donors will receive a free t-shirt and hand squeezie.

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