Platelet Fun and Facts
Platelet Fun and Facts
1-800-RED CROSS
Just what are platelets?
Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small, colorless cell fragments in the blood whose main function is to interact with clotting proteins to stop or prevent bleeding.
Have an extra serving!
Garlic acts effectively on cell-like structures called platelets in the blood, which tend to form clots, especially in the coronary arteries. Not only does garlic act effectively on platelets and ensure good blood flow in the
arteries, but improves the blood flow across the body.
Are you kidding? How did they count them?
One drop of blood contains a half a drop of plasma, 5 MILLION red blood cells, 10 thousand white blood cells and 250 thousand platelets.
Take this for a spin!
It takes just two minutes for the blood to circulate through the human body. In this short period, it brings oxygen out and carbon dioxide back and it keeps on repeating this process throughout the whole span of life!
Talk about mass production!
Platelets are manufactured at the rate of 200 billion a day.
Facts about blood and its components
? There are four types of transfusable products that can be derived from blood: red cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate. Typically, two or three of these are produced from a pint of donated whole blood ? so each donation can help save up to three lives.
? Donors can give either blood or specific blood components only. The process of donating specific blood components ? red cells, plasma or platelets ? is called apheresis.
? One transfusion dose of platelets can be obtained through one apheresis donation of platelets or by combining the platelets derived from five blood donations.
? A healthy donor may donate platelets as few as 7 days apart, but a maximum of 24 times a year.
? Donated platelets must be used within five days of collection ? new donations are constantly needed.
? Healthy bone marrow makes a constant supply of red cells, plasma and platelets. The body will replenish the elements given during a blood donation ? some in a matter of hours and others in a matter of weeks.
Facts about American Red Cross Blood Services
? Platelet donations are collected at select Red Cross donation centers only. ? During a platelet donation, an apheresis machine collects the platelets and some plasma
and returns the red cells and most of the plasma back to the donor. ? A single donor platelet product contains about six times as many platelets as a unit of
platelets obtained from whole blood. ? Platelets are a vital element of cancer and organ transplant treatments, as well as many
surgical procedures, since they prevent massive blood loss. ? Many patients who need platelets are undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplants and have
weakened immune systems. A platelet dose from a single donor reduces the patient's exposure to multiple donors and is therefore preferred by many physicians.
Fact: Patients are waiting on your lifesaving platelet donation. Please schedule an appointment today! 1-800-RED CROSS
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?2011 The American National Red Cross
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