The machine spins the blood to separate the platelets from the other components. The platelets are collected and the remaining components are returned to the donor through their other arm. The cell separator is a closed, sterile system utilizing disposable needles and plastic tubing. It is quite safe for the donor. Apheresis donation takes about two hours.
Donors can watch a movie, talk, nap, or read during the process.
The body replaces the donated cells in just a few days. The donation does not significantly decrease the number of platelets in the donor's blood. Healthy people have a large surplus of platelets. Organ transplant recipients, cancer and leukemia patients, and patients with blood disorders benefit from apheresis blood components. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments destroy both diseased and healthy cells, so cancer patients often need transfusions to prevent bleeding or fight infection.