Automated Blood Donation
Automated blood collection, also known as apheresis, allows a donor to give multiple blood components, such as red blood cells, platelets or plasma. During the procedure, all but the needed blood components are returned to the donor.
The most common type of blood donation is whole blood donation. Automated donation can save three lives simultaneously, unlike whole blood donation.
Who can be an automated blood donor?
If you meet the requirements for donating blood, you probably can give platelets. Apheresis donors must:
- Be at least 17 years old; 16 years old with parental consent
- Be in good health
- Weigh at least 110 lb; at least 120 lb for 16-year-olds donating with parental consent
- Not have taken aspirin, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, Plavix or other products containing aspirin 48 hours prior to donation (for platelet donations).
Which type of donation you choose is a personal choice. Please click on the links below for information regarding automated blood donation to assist you in your decision.