Just one apheresis donation can yield six to eight times the amount of platelets compared to that of a standard blood donation. Approximately 700 people donate Apheresis each year in Connecticut. Some donate every two weeks. You may be eligible to become an Apheresis donor if you are between the ages of 17 and 65, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health. To Attract Donors Platelets aid in the clotting process to prevent or stop bleeding and help treat patients with cancer, leukemia and other diseases.
Plasma carries other clotting factors and helps treat coagulation disorders.
Red blood cells carry oxygen and help treat anemia, trauma and burn patients. White blood cells combat infection. Andi Moore, Carol O'Hala, Cheryl Sheehan Partners for Life is an American Red Cross Blood Services, Connecticut Region newsletter. The next newsletter is scheduled for distribution, Juner, 2001. The deadline for information is May 1, 2001.