What Is It Like to Donate Platelets with San Diego Blood Bank?

Information in, “What’s it like to donate platelets” with Host Matthew Rocca:

Platelets are blood cells that help control bleeding. They help patients undergoing bone marrow transplants, surgeries, chemotherapy, organ transplants, and more.

Appointments are encouraged when donating platelets to ensure a Trima Accel® Automated Blood Collection System is reserved for your apheresis donation.

It's important to arrive hydrated and to avoid aspirin in the 48 hours before donation.

- Register at your appointment time with photo ID
- Provide your name, address and demographic information
- Complete a health history, medical and travel questionnaire
- Read donor education materials
- Complete a private health screening where your vitals will be assessed and a blood sample will determine if your hematocrit (% of red blood cell volume) is at the level it needs to be to donate that day.
- Staff will then set you up in a cozy chair and set you up comfortably to watch Netflix and to relax during your donation.
- Our friendly staff will ensure you’re taken care of every step of the way during the 70 to 90 minutes of donation time.

You can donate platelets every 2 – 4 weeks. Platelets from all donor types are needed constantly as they expire after 5 days. Platelet donors make an immediate impact on the lives of patients in local hospitals.

Location filming: Gateway Donor Center

Starring: Matthew Rocca
Registration staff: Virginia Gonzales
Interview Staff: Maria Zendi
Volunteer: Al Fisher
Interviewer: Rizalyn Vargas
Edited by: Rizalyn Vargas and Matthew Rocca

Music credit:

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0