- Myth: I can’t donate if I have tattoos.
- Myth: I can’t donate if I got a piercing recently.
- Myth: I can’t donate if I’ve just been to the dentist.
- Myth: Blood can be manufactured.
- Myth: Blood donation is painful.
- Myth: Blood is only needed in times of emergency.
- Myth: Donating blood causes my body to start over producing blood cells.
- Myth: Donating blood makes you gain weight.
- Myth: Donating blood takes a long time.
- Myth: Donating blood will impact my ability to do my daily activities.
- Myth: Giving blood will harm me by taking away red cells or platelets that my body needs to function.
- Myth: I can catch an infectious disease by donating blood.
- Myth: I have a common blood type, so you don’t need my blood.
- Myth: Donating blood can harm my immune system.
- Myth: Other people are already giving enough blood.
- Myth: Vegetarians or vegans cannot donate blood.
- Myth: I cannot donate blood because I have diabetes.
- Myth: I can’t donate if I’ve had low hemoglobin (iron) levels in the past.
- Myth: I must make an appointment to donate blood.
- Myth: I should fast before I donate.
- Myth: I can’t donate blood when I’m on my menstrual cycle.
- Myth: Sometimes, needles and other materials are reused.
- Myth: I can’t donate blood because phlebotomists won’t be able to find my veins.
- Who can give blood?
- Where does my blood go?
- Which patients use what blood components?
- What types of photo ID are accepted?
- What tests are performed on blood?
- What happens when somebody tests positive for an infectious disease marker?
- What can I eat to raise my hemoglobin levels?
- Is it safe to receive blood transfusions?
- I don’t have sickle cell anemia, but I carry the trait. Can I still donate blood?
- What to expect after donating blood?
- How often can I donate blood?
- How much blood is taken?
- How long does it take?
- Can I donate blood for myself?
- When was Carter BloodCare founded?
- Can people with high blood pressure donate blood?
- Can people who have tested positive for HIV or AIDS donate blood?
- Can gay or bi-sexual men donate blood?
- What is Apheresis?
- How long can blood be stored?
- Are children allowed to accompany a donor to the donation location? Can I bring children with me when I donate?
- Can I donate if I have a physical disability and may need assistance?
Platelet Donation
Platelet donation by automation (apheresis) allows for one donation to help up to three patients. The donor’s platelet count and available time will help determine how many platelet doses can be collected.
What are platelets?
Platelets are small cell fragments in the blood that help stop bleeding. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets gather at the site and stick together to form a plug. Clotting proteins then reinforce the plug to form a stable clot.
Is it safe to donate platelets?
Donating platelets is safe for healthy adults.
Who is eligible to donate platelets?
With the exception of those taking certain medications that interfere with platelet function [such as aspirin, Feldene (piroxicam®), Plavix (clopidogrel®), Brilinta (ticagrelor®), Effient (prasugrel®), Ticlid (ticlopidine®) and Zontivity (vorapaxar®)] most healthy adults who meet our whole blood requirements are also eligible to donate platelets.
Females who have been pregnant must be screened for HLA antibodies at least once before donating apheresis platelets. HLA antibodies can develop during pregnancy following exposure to the baby’s cells. Although these antibodies do not affect the donor’s health, they can cause a serious transfusion reaction in patients receiving platelet transfusions.
How long does it take?
A platelet donation can take up to two hours, but the impact is long lasting for those patients dependent on platelet transfusions.
How often can you donate platelets?
Eligible donors can donate platelets as often as every 7 days, up to 24 times in a 12-month period.
Who needs platelets?
Platelet recipients include patients undergoing cancer treatment, those having major surgery (especially heart surgery), and individuals with severe bleeding due to trauma.
How do I make an appointment to donate?
Platelet donations are currently offered at all Carter BloodCare donor centers. You can schedule an appointment online or call 817-412-5830. One of our team members will be happy to assist you.