Question 1

last year i got a hematoma after donating platelets. today, i had to stop a donation due to hematoma risk. is donating once or twice a month too much?

Accepted Answer

NO: NO- your blood is always checked before donation. You can certainly donate once a month without issues; however, I advise  consulting with your PCP regarding hematoma ( usually related to the venipuncture).

Question 2

can you get hiv from donation platelets?

Accepted Answer

The blood units that: The platelets are produced are screened for hiv.

Question 3

how does platelet donation work via apheresis?

Accepted Answer

Pheresis: Is essence is a process where blood is "filtered" to extract either cellular products, red cells, white cells or a substance for either re-infusion (cell) or removal a macroglobulin in plasmapheresis in waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.

Question 4

will platelet donation lower your platelet count?

Accepted Answer

Minimally: It will minimally lower your count given the amount of platelets being in your blood stream compared to the amount take out of it. Chances are you it will not even reflect on your blood count test.

Question 5

when you do a blood platelet donation, is everything in the process disposable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, watch set up: The entire "plumbing" set for the machine comes out of one (sterile) package, then the IV solutions are opened and added (one time use). When you are all done, the entire works (minus the platelet collection bag!) is taken down and disposed of.

Question 6

what are some ways to speed up a platelet donation? i give every two weeks and many people finish faster than me.  can i speed up the process?

Accepted Answer

Normal platelet...: ...Counts are from 150 to 450 k, so it is possible that someone has 3 times more platelets than you but both of you are normal.

Question 7

how can you speed up a platelet donation?  i give platelets once a week and i know some people finish way faster.  is there a way to speed it up?

Accepted Answer

No: It is all dependent on the machine which spins your blood to skim the platelets. You can ask the tech to speed it up if possible, but I do not think it is.

Question 8

i regurally donate plasma and platelets.  since my last donation, i have a small bump at the injection site.  its been a few weeks, now.  common?

Accepted Answer

HEMATOMA: Following blood drawing it is not uncommon to form a hematoma at the injection site.  This is due to some leakage of blood around the needle.  The blood becomes trapped under the skin and can form a hard area.  This will resolve over several weeks.  Warm compresses to the area will help it to dissolve.

Question 9

is the infusion of citate during a platelet donation safe? i have read that the comlication of hypocalcemia can be life threatening.

Accepted Answer

Safe: Citrate does chelate calcium and can cause symptoms of hypocalcemia. However, in a person healthy enough to donate blood/platelets, the liver can metabolize citrate fast enough so that it is not a problem. You  may take calcium containing antacid to hasten recovery. 
I applaud you for donating blood and doing your civic duty.
Wish you good health.

Question 10

blood donation 2 weeks later my platelets were high at 448. (cut off at 397) at time of donation they were 358. normal. all ther labs in cbc, cmp, tibc- normal except for iron saturation dropped to 15. is it normal for platelets to rise after?

Accepted Answer

: Iron deficiency is associated with elevated platelet counts. The act of donating blood probably tipped your iron stores to the low side and that can explain both elevated platelet count of low iron saturation. You may take oral iron and multivitamin supplements to address the issue.
I commend you for donating blood!

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Doctor answers about:

Platelets donation risks

A member asked:

Last year i got a hematoma after donating platelets. today, i had to stop a donation due to hematoma risk. is donating once or twice a month too much?

A member asked:

Can you get hiv from donation platelets?

A member asked:

How does platelet donation work via apheresis?

A member asked:

Will platelet donation lower your platelet count?

A member asked:

When you do a blood platelet donation, is everything in the process disposable?

A member asked:

What are some ways to speed up a platelet donation? i give every two weeks and many people finish faster than me. can i speed up the process?

A member asked:

How can you speed up a platelet donation? i give platelets once a week and i know some people finish way faster. is there a way to speed it up?

A member asked:

I regurally donate plasma and platelets. since my last donation, i have a small bump at the injection site. its been a few weeks, now. common?

A member asked:

Is the infusion of citate during a platelet donation safe? i have read that the comlication of hypocalcemia can be life threatening.

A member asked:

Blood donation 2 weeks later my platelets were high at 448. (cut off at 397) at time of donation they were 358. normal. all ther labs in cbc, cmp, tibc- normal except for iron saturation dropped to 15. is it normal for platelets to rise after?

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