Donating Platelets?

I used to donate platelets in college. It does take longer...about an hour and a half to two hours. I apparently have fantastic platelet counts so they did a "double" donation every time. The needle is slightly larger than the one for whole blood donations.

Depending on the collection system they have, it can be done in one or two arms. The older ones take it out of one, spin it to get the plasma/platelets, and put the rest back in through the other. The newer machines do it via one arm/one needle, I think. At the Red Cross center when I used to donate, they always let us pick a movie to watch.

Also, you may start to feel a little queasy b/c of the anticoagulant they use. I guess it affects your calcium levels or something. They used to keep calcium tums nearby for me.

I sell mine... It takes about 2-3 hours where I go. Technically it's only supposed to take half that time, but things do happen. I just bring a book or movie.

I can't answer from the side of the donator only the side of the recipient.
My husband had to have platelet exchanges and I thank you for your consideration.

I would do this but since we were stationed overseas during the "Mad Cow" incidents they will not let us donate blood.

May you have a happy holiday that is safe.

the other S.

My husband does it. It only takes about 45 minutes to an hour, but it varies from person to person just l like whole blood donations do.

He does it b/c his blood type is so limiting (AB+). With platelet donations, anyone can use it. I am B+, so when I go, I give whole blood, because it can be used by more people than husband's blood can. And it seems they are always low on my type (here locally).
My dad is O neg, so he gives whole. Or he used to. Not sure if he still donates, or if the parameters allow it. He is 72.
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Oh, and yes, like one of the first posters below me, my husband usually does a double donation. :)

My husband donated platelets during college. He actually did it because he would get paid $50 a pop and you could do it more frequently than donating blood. I don't know the needle size but I know he did it enough that he has 2 scars, one on each arm (right on the inside of the elbow). He also never mentioned it hurting either and he has been pretty open about his pain threshhold with all the tattoos and piercings he has. Sorry I can't provide you a whole lot of concrete info but it might be a start for you Best of luck and you're doing a great thing!

my MIL is a faithful platelet donator. I would pay someone to let me sit down for an hour, lol. but right now it isn't going to happen. So I can't answer y our specific questions I hope you do get more replies telling how it is.
Give it a try if you have the time to do it. If you are uncomfortable you can always just say you need to stop and that would be it.

I did it years ago, it wasn't bad I just haven't made time since. Two needles, one in each arm. Took an hour and a half or so, I brought a movie with me and watched it. I don't remember the needle gauge, but it was similar to giving blood if slightly larger - not so big it left a scar (physical or mental).