What many people don't realize is that donating platelets has the same life-saving effect.
Platelets are blood components responsible for a person's blood clotting.
Some patients, particularly those receiving treatment for cancer, some types of surgery or being treated for trauma, are unable to produce enough platelets quickly enough, resulting in excessive bleeding. Donating platelets is much like donating whole blood, and just as safe. A sterile, disposable continuous flow process collects some of the platelets, while the other blood components are returned to the donor. After testing for safety, the platelets are stored in a temperature-controlled chamber for no more than three days. The donor's body will replenish the donated platelets within 72 hours.