Special automated devices called Apheresis (a-fur-ee-sis) machines can separate blood into its components during the collection procedure.  Unlike a whole blood donation, during an apheresis donation the needed component, or a combination of components (such as platelets or plasma), can be collected and saved while the remaining components are returned to the donor.  The donor's blood remains inside a sterile, disposable plastic bag at all times and is not exposed to any tubing or equipment that has been in contact with another donor's blood.  All apheresis donors must meet all routine donor eligibility criteria.   Procedure: Whole blood is drawn from a donor's arm and channeled through the apheresis machine that separates and collects only the needed component(s).  

The remaining components are returned to the donor through the other arm.  In single needle procedures, the blood is withdrawn and returned in phases using one needle in one arm.  

A disposable "apheresis kit" is used for each procedure; this assures that each donation is absolutely safe and sterile.

Please consider becoming an apheresis donor; call the donor center nearest you to schedule an appointment or call 1-800-DONATE-4 and ask for the Telephone Recruitment Department or email us.

Platelet Donations

Platelets (the small, plate-shaped cells in the blood) start the formation of a clot (coagulate) when a blood vessel is broken.  Platelets stick together at the site of the injury and react with fibrinogen in the plasma to form a clot.

Platelets live about 9 days and are constantly being replaced by new ones produced in the bone marrow.

Platelets are vital to patients with leukemia and other cancers, patients undergoing open heart surgery, and those in need of bone marrow and organ transplants.  During an apheresis platelet donation, the donor can donate six to ten times more platelets than during a whole blood donation.  This makes reduces the risk of adverse transfusion reaction because instead of a patient receiving six units of platelets from six different donors, he or she can receive the same amount of platelets from just one donor.  The collection process takes approximately 90 minutes and may be performed as often as every two weeks. 

Automated Red Cell Collection (2RBC) - ALYX

The ALYX Component Collection System is an automated device designed to collect and separate whole blood from donors. The whole blood is centrifugally separated into ist cellular and plasma components. Cellular and/or plasma components are retained in collection containers or returned to the donor according to the predetermined collection protocol.

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