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Types of Donations (continued)

Platelets

Platelets help control bleeding and are used to treat cancer patients, patients undergoing bone marrow transplants or major surgeries, among others. Platelet donations can come from all blood types, but donors must be tested prior to ensure there is a sufficient platelet count before donating. Platelets only have a 5-day shelf life, so there is a continuous need for new platelet donations. These donations are delivered very quickly to the patients who need them, giving the donor the satisfaction that they have made an impact almost immediately. To be eligible for platelet donation a donor must be male, weigh a minimum of 150 pounds and it is preferred that the donor is blood type A. Platelet donors are eligible to donate every 14 days and the collection process can take up to 2 hours. 

Plasma

Plasma carries clotting factors and proteins to the body. Plasma is needed to treat burn victims, trauma patients and patients with blood disorders, cancer and liver disease. Type “AB” donors are the universal plasma donors. To be eligible for plasma donation a donor must be male, weigh a minimum of 150 pounds and it is preferred that the donor is blood type AB. Platelet donors are eligible to donate every 28 days and the collection process can take up to 2 hours.

Autologous Donations

An autologous donation allows a patient to donate his/her own blood and store it for an upcoming procedure.  These types of donations can be done every week for up to 5 weeks. Delta Blood Bank tests and stores the blood until the procedure and employs a number of quality checks, along with the hospitals to ensure the correct blood is given to the patient. Patients should note that there are processing fees associated with autologous donations.

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