“Yours For Life”

Plasma and Platelets

Apheresis is a unique type of blood donation process that allows a donor to give specific blood components: red blood cells, platelets or plasma. During the donation process whole blood is drawn and separated. The components not being used are returned to the donor in the same vein.

Many lifesaving medical treatments require platelet transfusions. What would normally take six whole blood donations, which must then be separated in our laboratory and pooled to provide a single platelet transfusion, can be done in one Apheresis donation. The impact of a single donation using this technology is remarkable. You can be the vital link, especially in a cancer patient’s treatment or an open-heart surgery.

Our highly trained staff ensures the time you spend donating is a rewarding and relaxing experience. Our comfortable chairs, Internet access and movies make the time slip away.

How does your donation help patients?

Red Blood Cells – carry oxygen to and remove carbon dioxide from all parts of the body. They are needed for trauma, surgery and anemia patients.

Platelets – are essential for blood clotting. They are routinely needed to support cancer treatments, open-heart surgery, blood disorders and organ transplants.

Plasma – is the liquid portion of blood and contains critical clotting factors. Plasma is used to treat patients with blood disorders and patients that require plasma exchanges.

Who benefits from Apheresis donations?

  • Cancer patients
  • Patients with blood disorders
  • Trauma patients
  • Burn patients
  • Transplant patients
  • Cardiovascular surgery patients

Am I eligible to be an Apheresis donor?

  • You can donate if you are in good health and free of cold or flu symptoms, have donated whole blood at least once in the past year and are comfortable with the process.
  • You must weight at least 110 pounds.
  • You must not have taken products containing aspirin 36 hours prior to donation.

What are the steps in the Apheresis donation process?

Step 1 — Registration
 When registering, you are asked to show photo ID and fill out a questionnaire to determine donation eligibility.

Step 2 — Medical History
 Your vital signs are checked and a nurse goes over the completed questionnaire with you.

Step 3 — Apheresis Donation
While donating you can relax, read a book, watch a DVD, or surf with the web in a comfortable donor chair.

Step 4 — Donor Lounge
After donating you will be asked to spend 10 minutes in the donor lounge where we offer refreshments.

How often can I donate?

  • You can give plasma once every 4 weeks
  • You can give platelets up to 24 times a year
  • You can donate whole once blood every 8 weeks

I want to be an Apheresis Donor!

To schedule an appt, call us at 707-545-1222, or send an email to apheresis@bbr.org. Staff members are available to answer any questions you may have.