Lefty91

I started donating platelets last year at the local American Red Cross. It turns out I have a lot of platelets per blood volume so they take a double portion of platelets every two weeks.

I know they use the platelets for cancer patients and other people that have clotting issues. They have little video screens at each donation chair so I bring a movie and watch it while the machine takes my platelets and recirculates the blood and anti-clotting product back into my other arm. Then they have the usual juice and snacks for you to eat before you head out the door. I used to be afraid of needles, but now I am used to it and the fear is gone.

I donate platelets at the local American Red Cross center and they will type your blood and give you a donation card. Everytime you go in they check your iron level and take your blood pressure, so it’s like getting a mini-physical. I’m O- which is really rare and it can be donated to anyone, so they use it when there is an emergency and don’t have time to find out the accident victim’s blood type. Also, the platelets are usually given to cancer patients.