Platelet Donations
A platelet donation, using an automated apheresis (AY-fur-EE-sis) process, allows you to give just one part of your blood and in greater quantities than through traditional methods. Making a platelet apheresis donation collects enough platelets—in just one visit—for two life-saving transfusions.
- Donors are in constant demand as platelets have a shelf-life of only five days
- Types most needed: A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-
- Donate every 14 days—up to 24 times per year
- Approximate donation time: 1 ½ to 2 hours
- Platelet donations can be made at our 84th & O Street location
In addition to meeting general eligibility standards (e.g., age, weight, health status), platelet donors must maintain a healthy platelet count and must not have taken any aspirin-containing product for 48 hours prior to donating.
Donors interested in becoming platelet donors should ask to have their platelet count tested at their next donation appointment. Platelet donors must meet a minimum qualifying platelet count. Effective October 1, 2016, females with a history of pregnancy are required to be screened for HLA antibodies. Testing may be requested at Nebraska Community Blood Bank’s 84th & O Street location. HLA antibodies aren’t normally harmful to the person who made them, but they can be harmful for a patient who receives a platelet or plasma transfusion. Female donors found to be negative will be eligible to donate platelets.
To schedule a platelet donation, please call 1-877-486-9414.
Learn more
Platelet Donations Brochure (PDF)