Our Platelet Donation Process
We are excited that you are interested in donating platelets.
Here is a guide to our donation process. We want you to know what to expect when you donate with PlasmaSource.
What You Can Expect During Your Platelet Donation Appointment
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of a typical platelet donation appointment at PlasmaSource:
O1. Sign-In
When you arrive at PlasmaSource, please sign in at the front desk. You will be asked to present a government-issued photo ID, proof of social security (e.g., pay stub or W-2), and proof of residency (e.g., utility bill or cell phone bill).
02. Health Screening
Whether you are a first-time donor or have donated with us before, you will receive a basic health screening to ensure you can safely donate. We will check your vital signs (including blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature) and draw blood to evaluate your blood count.
03. Health History Questionnaire
We will ask you to complete a questionnaire regarding your health history. Your answers help us ensure you are healthy and eligible to donate.
04. Physical Exam
If you are a first-time donor with PlasmaSource, you will receive a brief physical exam from one of our registered nurses (RNs) to evaluate for health concerns. Moving forward, you will be required to have an annual physical exam.
05. Donation
Once we confirm your eligibility, one of our staff members will escort you to a comfortable chair and an apheresis machine. This specialized device collects blood from a vein in your arm, extracts your platelets, and returns your other blood components (red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma) to you, along with sterile saline, to promote hydration. An RN will be nearby throughout the platelet donation process to monitor you and ensure your safety and comfort.
We want the platelet donation process to be a restful experience. Feel free to read a book, listen to music, use our complimentary Wi-Fi, or relax.
06. Recovery
For your safety, please stay with us for 15-20 minutes after completing your donation. This helps ensure you feel well and can travel safely. We provide snacks and beverages to help you refresh and rehydrate.
07. Compensation
After donating, we will send you a link to choose how you prefer to be reimbursed. Options include mobile wallets, direct bank deposits, or virtual cards.
We process your electronic payment promptly for your convenience.
08. Schedule Your Next Appointment
Use our convenient online scheduling to plan your next appointment. Once you are a qualified donor, you can also set up a series of donations. Qualified donors can donate platelets once every seven days.
The Platelet Donation Process: Tips for First-Time Donors
Here are a few things to know leading up to your first appointment. We want to ensure you have a safe and successful experience.
- Stop taking aspirin at least 48 hours before donating. Aspirin affects the clotting ability of platelet cells. If you have any concerns about this, please consult your provider.
- Increase your intake of non-caffeinated fluids in the days leading up to your appointment.
- Focus on eating foods rich in calcium and iron.
- Get plenty of sleep, especially the night before your appointment.
- Wear comfortable clothing, including a short-sleeved shirt or one with loose-fitting sleeves.
- Expect your first donation to last about 2.5 hours. Subsequent donations will be somewhat shorter.
- Bring a book, magazine, podcast, or journal to help you pass the time.
- Ensure you eat a meal or a healthy snack, including a non-caffeinated beverage, a few hours before your appointment.
- Avoid using any nicotine products (e.g., tobacco, e-cigarettes, or nicotine gum) for at least an hour before your appointment.
Your first donated unit of platelets will be tested to ensure it meets all regulatory requirements and is safe for use. If completed within six months, your second donation will be eligible for use in transfusions. If you wait more than six months for your second donation, we must repeat a physical exam.
Please refer to our platelet donation eligibility page to ensure you meet all requirements. If you are looking for a platelet donation center in Illinois, we invite you to consider PlasmaSource.
Tips for Experienced Platelet Donors
Thank you for your dedication. We value your commitment to helping change lives with your donations.
You can donate platelets every seven days, as most people naturally return to a normal platelet count seven days after donation with apheresis. Between donations, be sure to eat foods with plenty of iron and calcium. Staying hydrated and getting regular exercise are also beneficial.
Please remember that if six months elapse between donations, you must repeat a physical exam before donating. Please consider scheduling a series of donations to help us meet the constant need for platelets.
