Blood bank needs platelets

“Platelets are small colourless cell fragments circulating in the blood. They play a vital role in blood clotting and prevention of excess blood loss. When your blood vessel is injured, platelets collect to form a plug that stops the bleeding,” said SANBS communications manager, Vanessa Raju.

Who requires platelet transfusions?

· Patients with leukaemia and other cancers, undergoing chemo or radiation therapy.

· Bone marrow or organ transplant patients.

· Patients undergoing major surgery and trauma.

· Patients with aplastic anaemia.

How can I become a platelet donor?

· Be healthy.

· Weigh 55kg or more.

· Be between 16 and 65 years of age.

· Consider your blood and blood platelets safe to give to a patient.

· Not have taken aspirin in the past seven days prior to donating.

· Not have taken anti-inflammatory medication in the past three days.

· Have a platelet count above 200,000 per micro-litre.

Platelet donation is slightly different to blood donation, contact SANBS for more information on the process and requirements.

Contact SANBS on toll free 0800-11-9031, visit www.sanbs.org.za or connect on Facebook.com/SANBS and Twitter: theSANBS