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Platelets are cells that help control bleeding by clotting. Platelet donation involves:
- Drawing blood from the donor
- Subjecting the blood to a centrifgue to separate the platelets.
- Returning the remaining blood to the donor.
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| A single donation provides at least one therapeutic dose, as oppposed to multiple donations for whole blood. This exposes recipients to fewer donors and means less risk of transfusion-transmitted disease and other complications. |
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- Donated platelets last only five days.
- A single donor may donate platelets every two weeks.
- Uses include:
- Open heart surgery - needs 6 units
- Bone marrow transplant - needs 6-8 units daily for 4-6 weeks
- Leukemia - needs 6-10 units daily
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