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If you
give whole blood, you already know that your donation is helping
patients in need. But, did you know that by becoming an apheresis
donor, you can make an immeasurable contribution to patients
with special transfusion needs?
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Apheresis is
a process that allows your blood to be drawn from one arm, passed
through a blood cell separator, where the needed parts of the blood
(plasma or platelets) are removed, and the remainder returned through
your other arm.
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Patients
suffering from cancer, leukemia, trauma and other illnesses
can be helped by receiving plasma and platelets. Although
these components can be separated from a donation of whole
blood, a larger amount can be collected at one time through
your apheresis donation.
Almost
anyone who is a whole blood donor can give apheresis. You must be at least 17 and in generally
good health to give. The weight requirement for apheresis
is at least 110 pounds, and because only one component of
blood is taken, you can give apheresis up to 24 times a year!
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