|
What are Platelets? |
|
The bone marrow produces many types of blood cells, one of which is platelet. Platelets help to control bleeding in our body. However, when the platelet count is low, bleeding may occur from any part of the body. |
|
|
|
Who needs Platelet Transfusion? |
|
Patients who have low platelet counts depend on platelet transfusion to prevent bleeding and other serious complications. Patients who require platelet transfusion are usually those who suffer from acute leukemia, aplastic anemia or undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment. |
|
|
|
What is Platelet Donation? |
|
Platelet donation is a procedure, which involves extracting platelet cells from donor's body using a cell separation machine. The blood flows from the donor into the cell separation machine and the blood components can be separated into different layers by centrifugation. This is called an apheresis procedure. |
|
|
|
|
|
Medical Screening |
|
Donors will be required to answer several questions besides having their blood tested prior to donation. This is to establish the eligibility for platelet donation. |
|
|
|
How long does Platelet Donation take? |
|
The procedure takes about 120 minutes to complete. The donor is then asked to rest briefly for a while before leaving the donation center. Donors should be able to resume normal activities almost immediately. |
|
|
|
Does Platelet Donation hurt? |
|
The donor will experience only a slight pain during the needle insertion. The rest of the procedure is usually painless. |
|
|
|
Is Platelet Donation safe? |
|
Platelet donation is a simple and safe procedure. Sterile and disposable needles, syringes and sets are used for each donation so that there is no risk of transmission of diseases. Platelet loss is usually replenished after a few days and the donor does not suffer from any ill effects. |
|
|
|
How often should one donate platelet? |
|
Platelet donation can take place as frequent as twice a week, however most JMH platelet donors donate about once a month. |
|
|
|
Will there be any Adverse Effects? |
|
The donor may experience mild adverse effects such as tingling sensation around the lips and fingertips. This is due to the used of anticoagulant to prevent blood from clotting during the process. Other potential adverse effects like low blood pressure and fainting spells are uncommon. |
|
|
|
Who can donate Platelets?
|
|
|
|
Any person aged between 18 - 65years old |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weigh of at least 110 lbs. |
|
|
|
In good health |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Must not have lived in or visited United Kingdom for more than 3 months between year 1980 - 1996
|
|
|
|
Must not have lived in Europe for more than 5 years from 1980 to the present. |
|
|
|
Have good prominent veins on the arms |
|
|
|
|
Where can I go for Platelets Donation?
Our donation center on the 5th floor next to lab. |
)
)
)
)
)
