CPBB Apheresis Program

The Central PA Blood Bank has an urgent need for platelet donors. Nearly 2000 units of single donor platelets were purchased in fiscal year 1998-99 from outside the CPBB area to supply the hospitals serviced by CPBB.

In response to this supply and demand for single donor platelets in Central Pennsylvania, an apheresis program has been added to the Walnut Street Donor Center on October 25, 1999.

What is Apheresis and what are single donor platelets?
Apheresis is a special kind of blood donation that allows whole blood to be withdrawn from a donor and separated into its component parts with all but the needed component returned to the donor. The needed component, such as platelets, is then made immediately available to a patient in this area.

Whole blood is made of several components including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Each unit of whole blood contains only two tablespoons (30 ml) of platelet concentrate. Six to ten regular whole blood donations would be required to supply enough platelets for one patient. However, one apheresis donation from a single donor can provide sufficient platelets for one transfusion.

Who needs single donor platelets?
Patients with cancer or leukemia, transplant patients, and patients with blood disorders, benefit from single donor platelets. Many times during chemotherapy and radiation treatment both cancer cells and healthy cells are destroyed, so patients need transfusions to prevent bleeding.

Who can be an Apheresis donor?
Requirements for apheresis donors are similar to those for whole blood donations. Plateletpheresis donors must:
• Not have citrate allergies, ie, oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes.
• Not have taken aspirin or products containing aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medication for 36 hours.
• Not take medications considered calcium channel blockers.
• Have a good vein in both arms.
• Be willing to 2-3 hours of time per donation.

Appointments and more information:
Currently, appointments are scheduled Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:00am and 12:00pm. Thursdays, 8:00am, 11:00am and 2:30pm. A pre-evaluation is required at least one week prior to your first donation.


Contact the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank at
1-800-771-0059 for more information or to schedule an appointment for evaluation or donation.