You are more generous thaN most! Since you are the giving type, you can give even more by becoming a platelet donor. Platelet donors can give up to 24 times during a 12 month period.

What is a platelet donor?

MEDIC’s platelet donation process (called platelet pheresis) draws “whole blood” from a donor and channels it through a computerized, state-of-the-art cell separator that collects platelets (one of your most important clotting elements). The remaining plasma (fluid part of the blood) and red cells are returned to the donor through the same needle. Platelet donation takes longer than regular whole blood donation and requires a scheduled visit to the MEDIC donor center. The process can take up to two hours to complete. Platelets have a shelf life of only 5 days so MEDIC must work hard each and every day to ensure there are enough platelets to supply our 28 area hospitals.


Platelets are critical to help support patients with:

Cancer
Leukemia
Open heart surgery
Organ transplants
Blood disorders, including aplastic anemia - a type of anemia that occurs when the bone marrow produces too few of all three types of blood cells: red cells, white cells and platelets.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy often destroy healthy cells. Patients will illnesses requiring these treatments often require platelet transfusions to help prevent bleeding.


Please call 865-524-3074 today if you are interested in becoming a platelet donor.


One blood donation can help save three lives!