Plasma A plasma donation collected through the apheresis process is called a plasmapheresis donation. Plasma is the straw-colored, liquid portion of the blood. Patients with liver diseases, serious burns, hemophilia and clotting factor disorders and those undergoing organ transplantation and heart surgery require large amounts of plasma. Your plasma donation will take about an hour and a half. If you're an apheresis donor giving platelets your donation is known as plateletpheresis.
Platelets control bleeding and induce clotting.
Cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy usually require platelet transfusions. You'll need about two and a half-hours to give platelets. Like whole blood donors, it's important for apheresis donors to be infection free and not at risk for AIDS or hepatitis. A blood center nurse can help you determine if you are a good candidate to help patients as an apheresis donor. These times include registration, medical screening, the actual donation and the required 15-minute canteen visit.