What Are the Side Effects of Platelet Donation?
Your trust and safety are our top priorities.
All PlasmaSource staff are highly trained experts in the latest collection procedures. We follow all FDA guidelines and cleaning protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
We are careful to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by practicing stringent hand hygiene, routinely cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and using single-use, sterile sharps and collection kits.
Is Donating Platelets Safe?
You can rest easily knowing you’re safe when donating platelets with PlasmaSource. We work to ensure a safe donation process for all involved, as evidenced by multiple safeguards:
Staff Training
Our staff is trained in the most current safety practices for platelet donation. We strive to ensure your entire experience is comfortable and safe.
FDA Regulation
Our facility is licensed, regulated, and regularly audited by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
IDPH Monitoring
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) also monitors PlasmaSource, helping to ensure that we fully comply with proper testing procedures.
Quality Assurance Program
Our rigorous quality assurance program ensures our donation processes comply with the FDA, IDPH, and CDC.
Donor Health Screenings and Donation Testing
Before each visit, each donor must pass a basic health screening to ensure they are healthy and safe to donate platelets. An annual physical exam is also required.
To ensure their safety, we test all donated blood products in our state-of-the-art lab. We discard all donations found to be unsafe.
What Are the Side Effects of Donating Platelets?
Typically, donors do not experience side effects after a platelet donation. However, possible side effects may include:
- Soreness or bleeding at the injection site
- Bruising at the injection site
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Upset stomach
- Dehydration
We are mindful of your safety and comfort and will take steps to help you should any platelet donation side effects occur.
Is Donating Platelets Dangerous?
Platelet donation is quite safe when performed at a licensed facility like PlasmaSource.
There are a few rare but potentially serious complications to be aware of:
Infection
Though we are careful to practice the most sterile technique possible, infection remains a risk whenever there is a break in your skin. Redness, warmth, or swelling at the site in the days after your donation are signs of infection and indicate that you should see a medical provider.
Citrate Reaction
An anticoagulant called citrate is added to your blood inside the apheresis machine to prevent clots from forming. Though very little of this citrate is returned to you with your blood, a small percentage of people may react to this substance with hypocalcemia or a decreased blood calcium level. Notify staff immediately of symptoms of a reaction so that we can take steps to alleviate this reaction or get you to help:
- Tingling in your fingers, toes, or lips
- Flushing
- Shivering
- Headaches
- Abdominal cramping
- Rapid or slow pulse
- Shortness of breath
- Twitching or spasming muscles
At PlasmaSource, we take your comfort and safety seriously. If you have any questions about platelet donation, including the benefits of donation, please review our frequently asked questions page or contact us.
If you are looking for a platelet donation center in Illinois, PlasmaSource is an excellent choice. We invite you to donate with us and help change lives.
