How You Can Help the Greater Alleghenies Region American Red Cross: Blood Donation

Apheresis

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?

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.

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. Like whole blood donation, 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!

We have three apheresis donation centers. They are located in Beaver, Greensburg, and Johnstown, PA.

To find out how you can become a part of our apheresis donor team, contact James Rigby at:
1-800-542-5663, extension 2634.