The Benefits of Donating Platelets
Did you know someone needs a platelet transfusion every 15 seconds?
Donating platelets can truly change lives. Not only can your donation help those with urgent needs and chronic conditions, but donating can also provide health benefits for you.
When you donate platelets with PlasmaSource, you should feel a sense of pride.
Your gift provides much-needed platelets for patients, research, and the development of vital pharmaceuticals. The need is great, and your donation can make a real impact on the lives of real people.
Who Benefits From Platelets?
- Cancer Patients
Platelets are regenerated in bone marrow. When cancer patients undergo treatment, their bone marrow is often compromised. As a result, they are often deficient in platelets and need transfusions to ensure they can form blood clots.
Without adequate platelets, they could experience life-threatening bleeding. Receiving platelets helps them continue with treatments or have necessary procedures, such as biopsies or surgeries.
According to the American Cancer Society, the need for therapies like platelets is profound. In 2023, nearly 1.9 million people were expected to be diagnosed with cancer.
- Trauma Victims
When someone suffers a traumatic injury, like a car accident, they often lose a substantial amount of blood. Replenishing lost platelets is vital for preventing further bleeding.
- Bleeding Disorders
Those with certain bleeding disorders, such as immune thrombocytopenia or certain types of anemia, require platelet transfusions to prevent uncontrolled bleeding.
- Surgical Patients
Patients undergoing certain high-risk surgeries, such as organ transplants or open-heart surgeries, may need platelet transfusions to prevent dangerous bleeding.
Hospitals use platelets constantly to help patients in need. Throughout the U.S., nearly 5,000 units of platelets are needed every day. Because platelets must be used within five days, a constant supply must be maintained to meet the demand.
By taking the time to donate platelets, you can truly changing lives.
Is Donating Platelets Healthy?
You may ask yourself, “Is it healthy to donate platelets?” The good news is that there are several health benefits to donating:
Health Information
When you prepare to donate, our staff gathers basic health information about you, including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and blood count. Having this information helps you be more aware of your health.
Health Checkups
The health screenings you receive as a platelet donor and your annual physical examination are beneficial to you. Regular checkups help promote wellness, catch disease processes early on, and give you ownership of your health.
Health Promotion
Platelet donors are encouraged to eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated. The healthy habits needed to be an effective platelet donor can boost your overall wellness in many ways. A diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, beans, and healthy protein can boost your heart health and help to prevent certain diseases. Good nutrition and adequate hydration also give you more energy and vitality.
In addition to health benefits, you experience the satisfaction of knowing that your donations are changing the lives of people in need.
Feeling good while doing good is truly a benefit of platelet donation.
Get Paid & Help Change Lives
Many people depend on platelet or platelet-rich plasma transfusions, and your donations can make a real difference. The need for platelets is constant, and your interest in helping to meet this need is commendable.
We understand donating platelets involves time and effort on your part, and we appreciate this. When you donate, we reimburse you for your time. It is also important to us that you have a comfortable and positive experience when donating. That’s why we offer complimentary amenities like entertainment and free Wi-Fi during your donations.
We take the utmost care to ensure that your donation experience is safe and comfortable. Our highly trained staff follow stringent infection control and health guidelines to ensure the benefits of donating platelets and plasma can extend to patients, scientists, and research facilities.
If you are looking for a platelet donation center in Illinois, we encourage you to choose PlasmaSource. We treat you with the respect and appreciation you deserve. We value you and your willingness to help change lives by donating platelets.
If you want to learn how to become a donor at PlasmaSource, keep reading to learn more about our donation process, or schedule an appointment today.
