If you are a whole blood donor, you know that blood transfusions save lives. Platelets are the part of your blood that carry oxygen.
Apheresis is the method used to collect only one part of blood from a donor.
One platelet donation by apheresis can yield up to eight times the amount of platelets found in one whole blood donation. You cannot get AIDS or any other disease from donating platelets. Platelet transfusions are lifesaving therapy for patients undergoing bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy treatment for cancer, and open heart surgery. Donated platelets can be used years later. Platelet donors must wait 6 months before donating again.