Pheresis

What is Pheresis?
Pheresis is a procedure in which a single component, often platelets, is collected. Platelets, which are produced in the bone marrow of healthy people, are essential to the blood clotting function. Unlike red blood cells whose shelf life is 42 days, plaelets have a shelf life of only five days–so the supply must be constantly replenished. Pantients who undergo procedures such as chemotherapy, bone marow transplant, or open hard-surgery depend on these lifesaving platelets to prevent severe bleeding throughout the course of their treatments. Depending on patient needs, the pheresis process may also include collection of white cells and/or plasma.

How are platelets collected during Pheresis?
During the procedure, whole blood from the donor is passed through sterile tubing into a cell separator, where platelets are collected. The remaining portion of the blood is returned to the donor. No more than one pint of blood is processed at one time.

Who needs platelets?
Your platelet donation can help patients with the following conditions:

-Cancer Patients (especially those with leukemia) who require chemotherpy, which often renders the body unable to produce platelets.

-Surgical Patients who require platelets to help the blood clot and prevent severe bleeding.

-Bone Marrow Transplant Patients who are unable to produce platelets.

-Patients with Blood Disorders such as aplastic anemia.

Who can be a Pheresis donor?
Any person in good health who:
-Can devote approximately two hours for a donations
-Weighs at least 110 pounds
-Is at least 17 years of age
-Has been asprin-free for 36 hours

Why be a Pheresis donor?
As a pheresis donor, you’ll share a special bond with the patients you help. The gratification of helping someone with a critical needs is yours; the greatest reward–life itself–is for the patient. It is something they will never forget.

How often can I donate?
You may donate up to 24 times per year, with a minimum of three days between donations. Your body will replace the platelets within 24 hours. Your increased donations help assure that there is an adequate supply of platelets for the many patients who require daily transfusions to survive.

How can I donate?
To schedule a phresis donation, contact one of the convenient Red Cross donor centers or call:

St. Louis 314-658-5857 or 1-800-448-5433
Fairview Heights 314-658-5857 or 1-800-448-5433
Columbia 573-449-2656, ext. 2515
Jefferson City 1-800-800-0089, ext. 2515