Versiti - Types of Donations | Learn About Blood Donation
 
Jackie Kaczynski - Platelet Recipient

Platelet Donation

Small but mighty, platelets are a precious, lifesaving resource. Learn more about saving lives through platelet donation.

What’s the platelet donation process? How frequently can I donate platelets? Find these answers and everything you need to know about volunteering to donate platelets below.

 

What is platelet donation?

Platelet donations are a special type of blood donation. Our blood is made up of different parts, also called components: red cells, plasma, and platelets. Of the three, platelets are considered a precious resource – not only do they make up a small fraction of our blood, but platelets only last for 5-7 days outside of the body. That means when a donor gets up after their donation, the platelets they leave behind will be used by a patient in a local hospital within the week.

How many platelet units do recipients need (on average)?

Donation Facts

 

Platelets are a component of blood that promotes clotting. They are named after their plate-like shape, and when activated, platelets develop sticky spikes that help them cluster together to seal off cuts and other wounds. Platelets are body’s natural bandages!

Platelets are incredibly important in a wide range of treatments for patients of all kinds, primarily warriors fighting cancer, premature babies, trauma victims, and those receiving organ or bone marrow transplants.

Platelets have a short lifespan and must be transfused within 5-7 days of donation! There is always a need for donors since these cells cannot be stockpiled.

Help save lives in your community. Become a volunteer platelet donor today!

Beacon Club Platelets

Earn exclusive rewards, and show your platelet pride through the Beacon Club Platelets.

 
 

Pledge with Platelet Promise

With every appointment, platelet donors make a promise to local patients—a promise of hope and healing. Make it official by signing up and committing to donate platelets 6 or 18 times in the coming year.

 

Every day, patients in your community need blood and platelet transfusions to survive and thrive. They rely on the generosity of donors like you, who help ensure a safe, healthy blood supply. Make an appointment to donate platelets today.

Explore donation opportunities in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.

Versiti invites you to share your story and photo to help encourage more people to give back. You may even be featured throughout the year on our social media. Please complete the form below or contact us at donormarketing@versiti.org if you have any questions.

HIPAA and Other Required Forms

Please download and complete the Media Release Form, HIPAA Release Form, and Public Disclosure of Health Information forms. If you have any questions on how to complete the HIPAA release form please refer to the informational handout. After you have completed the necessary forms upload them using the links below.

Photo Upload

Upload your photos that you would like us to use to feature your story. Please be sure to check the photo use agreement box below the upload options.

* Fields are required.

 
Whole Blood Donation
Volunteer to donate blood at a blood donation center near you. Find out how often you can donate blood and make an appointment to donate today.
 
Double Red Cells Donation
Volunteer to donate double red cells at a blood donation center near you. Learn more about donating red blood cells and make an appointment to donate today.
 
Plasma Donation
Volunteer to donate plasma at a blood and plasma donation center near you. Find out how often you can donate plasma and make an appointment to donate today.
 
Blood Donation FAQs
Read frequently asked questions involving donor eligibility, donation process, blood safety, platelet donation, plasma donation and more.
 
Blood Types Explained
Find the facts about different blood types, from A+ to O-. Learn more about why people have different blood types before your next blood donation.
 
The Beacon Club for Platelets
Versiti’s Beacon Club platelet program celebrates the donation milestones of lifesaving platelet donors. Donate platelets and you are automatically part of the club.
 
Blood Donation Locations
Find a Versiti blood donation center and search for a blood drive near you. Make an appointment to donate blood today.