LYNCHBURG PLATELETPHERESIS TEAM
American Red Cross
1900 Tate Springs Rd., Suite 106
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(804) 846-4620


What are Platelets?

Platelets are the disklike structures that develop from cells produced inthe marrow. They help prevent the loss of blood from damaged vessels. If a small blood vessel is cut or broken, platelets stick to the damaged surface
and to one another. As they pile up, they form a temporary seal over the injury. At the same time, the platelets release substances that start the process of blood clotting. A blood clot forms a more solid plug and
prevents additional loss of blood. Platelets are the smallest of the formed elements. A microliter of blood contains from 150,000 to 400,00 platelets. A person with too few platelets, or who's platelets are faulty, may bleed
excessively. ~ The World Book Encyclopedia, 1976. pp 324-330. ~
                    
Platelets  have been called the "body's bandaid" - they aid in the clotting of blood and the healing of wounds - healthy platelets are essential for the body to begin the healing process.

What is Plateletpheresis?

Pheresis is from the Greek, meaning "to seperate". Therefore, Plateletpheresis is the seperation of the platelets
from the whole blood product. If you are already a Whole Blood donor the process is very similar to
what you're already familiar with. If you've never donated before, the donor visits our collection site (CDC)
and goes through a 3 step process.

Step 1 - "History"... During the "History", a donor will be ask questions that relate to their overall health and to any
potential  health hazards their blood products may contain. This process protects the donor and the American Red
Cross. The "History"  includes the taking of the donor's blood pressure, temperature, pulse and an "ear prick" blood
test. All of the questions and these tests assure the safety of the donor and the blood product being collected.

Step 2 - "Donating Platelets".... The process varies from the Whole Blood collection process from here on.  At our Lynchburg site, the donor will select a video movie, a favorite television channel, or possibly some music
and settles back in an extremely comfortable recliner chair. The professional nursing staff of the
American Red Cross will select a good vein in each arm and mark the area. The areas to be punctured are
swabbed with iodine and betadine solutions to clean and sanitize the areas. A needle is placed in one arm to remove the blood from the donor. It is carried into the apheresis unit that separates the platelets from the
whole blood and returns the blood to the donor's other arm, where a second needle
is placed to carry the blood back into the body.

During this drawing procedure the donor is pampered by the staff. They are constantly monitored by the nursing staff, as they enjoy their choice of video, TV or music. Some donors even sleep during the process! The drawing
process takes approximately 90 minutes, however some donor's complete the process in a shorter time.
Once the drawing procedure is completed, the needles are removed from each arm and the areas are
again cleaned and bandaged.


Step 3 - "Canteen"... This step is optional because the body will replace the platelets donated within
72 hours. Since no other blood products or fluids are removed, the donor can go on about their business.

   
Who benefits from the donated Platelets?

Platelet donations go to help area cancer, leukemia and major surgery patients. Many cancer patients
must undergo radiation or chemotherapy procedures. Both procedures can kill platelets in the patients bloodstream.
Platelet transfusions give radiation & chemotherapy a better chance to fight the cancer. Such transfusions
can also help patients recover from traumatic surgeries by aiding in the clotting of blood and the healingwounds.

In the Appalachian Region, the platelets donated at the CDC are sent to 44 area hospitals, upon demand.
Lynchburg General & Virginia Baptist Hospitals are two of the heaviest users of donated platelets.

Approximately 50% of the collected platelets in this region are used by cancer or leukemia patients. A little
over 40% of all platelet transfusions are to patients under the age of 20 years old. A whole lot of people
benefit from the Plateletpheresis Program in Lynchburg, some of which are really just starting to live anyway.
We often say that donating platelets is "Recycling Life" and that our platelet donors are "Life Savers".
Each platelet donor offers a therapeutic unit of platelets, which it would take 7 - 10 units of whole
blood to make. Shelf life is only 3 days; however, most platelets collected
in this area are used within 24 hours. The demand is that high!

Who can donate Platelets?

Platelet donors in our region come from all walks of life. One must be 17 years of age or older, weigh at least
110 pounds, be in good health and have a good vein in each arm. A donor must be able to dedicate 2 hours of
their time for the complete procedure. Platelet donation is by appointment only, five days a week. To schedule an appointment or learn more about Plateletpheresis, call: (804) 846-4620 and ask for Ro Putz. We happen to
think that our Platelet Donors are some pretty terrific people! Do you qualify? What are you waiting for? Call today and become a "Life Saver" too!

Platelet donors can also qualify as Bone Marrow Donors. At the time of the fifth platelet donation, an
extra vile of blood will be taken to run an HLA test. There are six HLA Types, (platelet types). Occasionally
a patient may require a specific platelet type to be transfused and a cross matching can
be done to a specific donor for that type. The Bone Marrow testing for types is also done at this time. Like
with certain platelet patients, some patients require specific bone marrow types for transfusion. A platelet
donor will be given a list of their individual HLA numbers and information on the voluntary Bone Marrow
Donor program. This test is run free of charge. Should one desire to be a Bone Marrow Donor and have to have
these tests run on their own, it would cost $75.00.

What is the LYNCHBURG PLATELETPHERESIS TEAM?

The LYNCHBURG PLATELETPHERESIS TEAM is a partnership of two volunteer groups, local platelet
donors and the staff of the Lynchburg CDC. The LYNCHBURG PLATELETPHERESIS RECRUITER's 
go to the community bloodmobiles and talk to whole blood donors about becoming platelet donors.  Recruiters
also visit businesses & attend community events with our new table top display to educate the public and promote
our local pheresis program. The LYNCBURG PLATELETPHERESIS COMMITTEE (LPC) is comprised
of volunteers involved in projects dealing with the promotion of the Platletpheresis
Program in the Lynchburg, VA area as a part of the American Red Cross (ARC), Appalachian
Regional Blood Services. They also plan a special recognition event annually for the donors from this region.
These people combine to educate the public about our program and attract new donors. At our most recent
event,  May 29-30, 1998 these groups, along with a few donors and ARC staff participating in the American
Cancer Society's (ACS) "Relay for Life" event. The "PLATELETPHERESIS TEAM" came up
with a M*A*S*H theme for their campsite and decorated it and themselves for this event. The TEAM had
a walker on the track for 18 & 1/2 hours and raised approximately $2,500.00 for the ACS through
sponsorships and two raffles held. Some Team members spent up to 30 hours active during this
event. Nine new donors were signed up and it was a great change to
socialize and get to know other Team members.

JOIN OUR PLATELETPHERESIS TEAM!

Become a Donor, volunteer on the LPC or the Recruiter's Team. As a part of our TEAM,
remember...Together Everyone Achieves More!

Need another good reason?

O.K., It is a very selfish thing that we do as a part of this TEAM. Being involved with so many people,
for such a great reason...just makes one feel very good inside!

For more information:

Email me

 


For American Red Cross