Single Donor Platelets

What are Platelets?

Platelets are the cells that circulate within our blood. They help to from a clot at the site of an injured blood vessel and help to stop bleeding.

What is a single donor Platelets Apheresis or SDP?

The term apheresis means to separate. In a single donor platelets apheresis, a portion of platelets and some plasma is removed from the donor's blood with the help of an automated machine and the rest of the blood is returned black to the donor.

Why and when is it required?

Patient with a very low platelet count and having a tendency to bleed like in trauma, cancer, infection and dengue etc.

HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM A RANDOM DONOR PLATELETS (RDP)?

The platelet content of single donor platelets apheresis is more than a Random Donor Platelets.

What is the selection Criteria for a single donor Platelet Apheresis donor?

A healthy donor male or female with:

• Same blood group as patient.
• Hemoglobin > 12gm %
• Platelets > 2lacs
• Total leucocyte count <10,000
• No h/o diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis, jaundice, epilepsy etc.
• The donor should not have taken aspirin or any other pain killers in the last 72 hours.

Can a RH positive donor give Platelet Apheresis for a RH negative patient.

Yes

What is the procedure for single donor platelet Apheresis?

• Patient and the donor is screened for blood group.
• Hemogram of the donor is done
• Donor blood is screened for HIV, HCV, HBV and VDRL.
• Donor consent is taken for the procedure
• Donor is laid on a couch and cubital area is cleaned once with spirit
• Venipuncture is done

How long does it take for an SDP donation?

It takes around 1 ½ - 2 hours

What are the precautions to be taken after donation?

The donor should take a rest for 10-15 minutes on the donor couch during which the venipuncture site is to be kept pressed. The donor is guided to the refreshment room for bandage and refreshment. There is no weakness after donation. The donor can take lots of fluids for the rest of the day and can resume his normal work. However, strenuous activity and long distance driving if possible should be avoided for the day.

How much count of the patient is raised by ans SDP?

The patient count can rise approximately by 50,000-60,000 depending on the patient condition.

Can it be repeatedly given by the same donor?

Yes it can be donated again after 48-72 hours.

If a donor has donated blood a few days back can he donate SDP?

A person who has donated blood can donate asp after two months.

Remember

Any bruising of the venipuncture area following the procedure resolves itself within a few days. In case there is a tenderness it can be relieved by taking Paracetamol.