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Platelets are the cellular component in our blood that
stops bleeding. Healthy platelets prevent severe
bleeding or bruising of patients whose own platelets are
weakened or destroyed.
Plasma is a pale yellow mixture of water, proteins, and
salts. Type AB blood donors are asked to consider
donating plasma. People with type AB blood consist
of only three percent of the population. Since
this blood type is rare, patients in area hospitals
constantly need plasma of AB donors. Type AB blood
donors are universal plasma donors, meaning patients of
any blood type can be transfused with this plasma.
Patients with bleeding disorders and burn victims
require plasma during treatment.
Plasma donations are made through a process called
apheresis. From
registration to refreshments, donating plasma takes
approximately 45 minutes.
Plasma Donor Qualifications
The qualifications for plasma donors are similar to
those for whole
blood donations. Plasma donors must weigh at least
125 pounds. Plasma donors are eligible to donate every
29 days.
If you would like to become a plasma donor, please call
Central Blood Bank’s Apheresis Department at
412-209-7030, or toll-free at 1-866-DONORS-1 ext. 2 to
schedule an appointment, or you may or you may
schedule
your appointment online.
Due to the special process involved with donating
plasma, Central Blood Bank collects plasma at the
following community donor centers only:
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