Platelet Donation Unsuccessful
I tried to donate platelets (the cells that assist in coagulation) today after work, but was unable to due to an iron deficiency (most likely because I don’t particularly like to eat meat). I have to wait two weeks before I can try to donate again.
I have blogged before that I like to donate blood because it is the easiest form of service (I just have to sit there and squeeze a little rubber ball) and the impact directly affects a life. I thought I would donate platelets this time for a number of reasons: there is currently a greater need for A+ platelets than whole blood at the donor center, platelets have a shorter shelf life than whole blood, and due to the fact that the blood center allows more platelet donations in comparison to whole blood because the body replaces platelets within a short period of time (replaced within 72 hours, meaning I can donate / volunteer more often). In fact, platelets can be donated 24 times per year in comparison to whole blood that can only be given every 56 days. The only downside to platelet donation is the apheresis procedure takes one and half hours, in comparison to the half hour of blood donation, because the blood is withdrawn, spun in a centrifuge and everything but the platelets and a little plasma is returned to the donor.
There is a constant need for whole blood and platelets. If interested in donating in the Salt Lake area, visit the ARUP donor website. If located within the U.S., visit the RedCross. Or, register at USBloodDonors.org and a local blood center will call you when your blood type is particularly needed.