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Apheresis is a special kind of donation that allows
a donor to give specific blood components, such as platelets, plasma,
or red blood cells. Blood is drawn from the donor's arm through sterile
tubing into an Automated Blood Collection (ABC) system which separates
the blood into its components. The desired component is collected
in a special bag, while the ABC system safely returns the remaining
blood components back to the donor. The procedure takes approximately
1 - 2 hours to complete. It is longer than a regular donation because
it takes extra time to separate the blood components and collect
what is needed.
Platelet donations are needed daily to replenish
the supply, as they must be transfused within five days. They are
essential for blood clotting and are routinely needed to support
cancer therapy, blood disorders and organ transplants. Red
Blood Cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body and are most needed after
significant blood loss through trauma, surgery, or anemia. Blood
type O is the universal red blood cell donor. Plasma is the liquid
portion of the blood containing critical clotting factors and is
used to treat patients with certain bleeding disorders and for plasma
exchanges. Blood type AB is the universal plasma donor.
What is the difference between whole blood and automated
donations?
It takes the combined effort of SIX whole
blood donors to produce
ONLY ONE unit of transfusable platelets. ABC donations are the most
efficient since you – as ONE person, in ONE donation event – can
give full transfusable units of the components most needed by patients.
The blood components needed by a patient come from fewer donors,
which decreases the likelihood of transfusion reactions that can
occur from multiple donor products.
How Can I Become an Apheresis Donor?
Apheresis can be donated at the Anchorage
center between the hours
of 9am and 5:30pm, Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 9am
to 3pm. If you have questions or wish to make an appointment, please
call Apheresis Scheduling at 222-5619 or Apheresis Staff at 222-5623.
What
is the Apheresis/ABC process like?
Giving through apheresis feels similar to giving whole blood
with a few exceptions. You may experience a tingling around the
lips and
a slight chill. These sensations are a mild reaction to the anti-clotting
solution that is added to the blood before it is returned to you.
Such minor side effects can be easily corrected or minimized by
our apheresis staff. As the process does take more time than
a whole
blood donation, we want to make you as comfortable as possible.
Cable TV, movies, and music are available for your enjoyment.
How your Automated Blood Donation helps:
Platelet donations are the most common form of apheresis. This product
is universal, and is always in high demand. For example, a
cancer patient can need up to 8 units of platelets per week while
undergoing chemotherapy. But this is only one example of the many needs that
can be met through Automated Blood Donation. By knowing daily patient
needs and using automated blood collection technologies, we are
able to tailor your blood donation to local demand.
Criteria for Donating Platelets
Anyone who meets the criteria for a whole blood donation, and has
previously donated a unit of whole blood with us, is eligible to
donate through apheresis. Also, donors who take calcium channel
blockers may not donate through apheresis.
How Often Can I Give?
Generally a person may donate platelets as often as every 48 hours
but no more than 24 times a year, and twice in one week. Red blood
cells can be given every 8 or 16 weeks, depending on the donation
procedure. Plasma can be given every 4 weeks. |
