Learn more about the procedure

What happens during my apheresis donation?

Blood is drawn from your arm and passed through a collection kit in a blood-separating machine.  The machine separates and retains some of the desired components.  The rest of your blood - about 95 percent - is returned to you through either that arm or your other one.

This life-saving procedure takes between 60 and 90 minutes.  Some of the machines require two arms, others only one.  You can relax in a comfortable reclining chair and watch television or your favorite videotape, listen to music, read a magazine, chat with our staff and other donors, or rest while you donate.

When you arrive to donate apheresis, you will be asked to fill out the same registration form as for a whole blood donation and a special apheresis form. When you give a few drops of blood to test your hemoglobin level, your platelet count will also be determined.  One of our apheresis technicians will explain your donation opportunities based on factors including your platelet count, height, weight, and blood type.

For instance, platelets are always needed from people with all blood types.  But if you have type O negative blood, which is the universal blood type for patients, or one of the other rare types, we may ask you to make a platelet and a red cell donation.

This process helps manage a chronically low inventory by selecting necessary components.  It is particularly helpful when the Blood Center of New Jersey receives emergency requests for blood components that are in low supply.

Your apheresis donation is a safe procedure.  Your blood never touches the machine.  Each donation is collected in a prepackaged, sterile, disposable kit that is used once then destroyed.

As with any blood donation, you cannot contract AIDS or any other blood-transmitted disease during an apheresis donation.

Samples of your blood will always be tested in our laboratory before your components are transfused to a patient.

One of our trained staff members will be with you throughout your donation.

There are different waiting periods between donations depending on which components you give.  Our staff will tell you when you can donate again after your donation

Learn More About Platelet Apheresis

Learn More About Plasma Apheresis

The Blood Center of New Jersey
45 South Grove Street
East Orange, New Jersey  07018
1-800-NJBLOOD
1-973-676-4700

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