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A real hero is the one who walks in
when the others walk by.
Approximately 4 million people need blood products every year, but only about 5% of eligible Americans donate blood, and even fewer donate by apheresis. No wonder we consider our donors heroes!
So what is apheresis? We like to think of it as one of the best-kept secrets at the Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region, but we are willing to share the secret, so let's start by answering a few questions you may have.
What does the word apheresis mean?
Apheresis comes from a Greek word meaning 'to take apart.' So, we're simply taking apart your blood!
Why would you need to take apart my blood?
Blood is made up of several components, each of which plays a very important role in keeping you healthy.
 Plasma makes up about 55% of your blood. It is the liquid portion that contains water, proteins and hormones, among other things. It carries blood cells, nutrients and gases to body tissues. It also contains chemicals that help you to form blood clots and stop bleeding.
Red cells (also called erythrocytes) help carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body, and help remove carbon dioxide. Red cells make up most of the other 45% of your blood.
White cells (also called leukocytes) help to fight infections.
Platelets are tiny, very sticky cells. They stick to each other and to blood vessel walls, which helps you heal and clot when you are injured. Less than .5% of your blood is made up of white cells and platelets.
Each time you donate a unit of whole blood, a bag of all of these components is collected. It is then taken to the lab and separated out into its individual components.
 OK, so you want to separate the components from my blood... If you do that in the lab after I give whole blood, what does this apheresis thing have to do with anything?
In a sense, when you are donating by apheresis, we are doing what they do in the lab while you donate. We can take out the components we want and return the rest to you. In order to collect enough platelets for a patient's transfusion, we need to combine 5-8 units of whole blood. When you donate by apheresis, we can collect enough platelets and plasma from you to give to one or two patients.
Who benefits from platelet transfusions?
Cancer, leukemia and bone marrow transplant patients, either because of the treatments they are undergoing, or because of the disease itself, often need platelet transfusions to help fight internal bleeding. Platelets also may be used for patients undergoing major surgery, such as cardiac bypass or organ transplant operations.
But how do you collect just my platelets?
 Using special machines called cell separators, we collect platelets and plasma. (We need to take some plasma so the platelets can live!) During the procedure, you have a needle in each arm. The blood flows out one arm and is spun through a centrifuge. Platelets and plasma are collected, and the rest of the blood is returned to you. The machine uses a new kit each time someone donates. The kit consists of sterile plastic tubing, so your blood never touches the machine, making it completely safe for you to donate. We do also have single-needle kits, so the whole process can be conducted using just one, not both, of your arms.
How long do platelets last?
Platelet products are only good for a short time - they must be transfused within 5 days of collection. Also, platelet products cannot be stored or frozen, which means the need for products is constant and continual.
How long does it take to donate?
We recommend that you plan on 2 to 2 1/2 hours for the whole process. When you first come in, you have some forms to read, and a questionnaire to fill out, which is the same process you experience when giving whole blood. You then have a health history, again, just like when you donate whole blood. The nurse will do an assessment, including checking your blood pressure and temperature, all to make sure it is safe for you to donate.
You will be on the machine anywhere from 60-110 minutes. During that time, you can watch TV, listen to music, read, or chat with the staff. We also have portable DVD players, along with a small library of movies. After your donation, we invite you to spend a few minutes in the canteen, enjoying a snack and a nice beverage.
How often can I donate?
Unlike red blood cells, platelets start to replace themselves within your body almost immediately. You can donate as often as every 48 hours, up to a maximum of 24 times in any 12-month period.
Are there any specific requirements I should know about?
We recommend that you donate whole blood at least once before you try donating platelets. The guidelines for donating whole blood and apheresis are the same - you must be at least 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good general health. More specific guidelines can be found at the American Red Cross website.
Anything else?
One of the most important differences between donating whole blood and apheresis is that you must not take aspirin or medications that contain aspirin within 48 hours of your donation. This is because aspirin makes your platelets slippery, and we want them sticky!
There are a couple of other things to keep in mind. During the donation process, an anti-coagulant is used to keep your blood flowing through the machine. Sometimes, the anti-coagulant can bind with the calcium in your body, causing a mild 'tingling' sensation in your lips and mouth. It is not something that everyone experiences, but don't be alarmed if it should happen to you! To prevent it, we recommend that you have a little extra calcium before your donation - drink a glass of milk, or have an ice cream cone! We also have Tums® available in case you need some calcium during the donation.
The other thing to keep in mind is that when the blood is circulating through the machine, it returns to you a degree or two cooler than normal body temperature, so you might feel chilled. We have blankets, heating pads, and hot water bottles to keep you cozy.
Sounds simple enough. How do I sign up?
You can call 615-346-7864 or 1-800-448-3543 to schedule an appointment. Email: TVR Apheresis Department.
©Mia Claire Hasouris 2005
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