Platelets aid in the clotting process. Like band-aids for the body, platelets are needed to prevent bleeding. They benefit patients who develop bleeding disorders from leukemia and other forms of cancer. Platelets can be stored for up to five days.

The automated platelet pheresis donation process uses specially-designed equipment that separates the platelets from the blood and then returns the rest of the blood back to the donor. Some donors are able to give more than one platelet product at a time. Platelet pheresis takes longer than a traditional whole blood donation, anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the donor.

The Golden Passport Platelet Rewards Program is Kentucky Blood Center's way of thanking platelet donors and encouraging them to give often.

Find out more about the Golden Passport Rewards Program here.

Platelet donor requirements:

• must be at least 16-years. 16-year old donors require parental permission. Download the permission form here.
• must weigh at least 110 pounds
• must have had no aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen within 48 hours of donation
• must have an adequate blood iron level

Donors may give platelets every seven days up to 24 times a year.

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