It does take longer -- about 1.5 hours or so. (Everyplace I've donated platelets has TVs and VCRs or DVD players so you can watch a movie while you're donating.) There are two ways to do it: single or double needle. Double needle is usually done on the older machines -- they put a needle in each arm, and the blood comes out of one arm, cycles through the machine where the platelets are filtered out, then the remaining blood components (with some saline added to replace the little bit of fluid you do lose) come back into your body through the second needle. The alternative takes a little longer because both directions are done through a single needle -- but at least you have an arm free, so I always prefer it that way, as you can scratch your nose without assistance, or read a book, etc.
The only side-effects I've had from platelet donation are a tingly feeling that's apparently caused by a temporary depletion of calcium, and extreme chilliness. Since the blood they put back in your body is considerably cooler than it was when it came out, you tend to feel a bit cold. But they always have blankets. (The place where I donate now actually heats their blankets!) But these go away, at least for me, as soon as the donation is over.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2004-08-11 08:13 am (UTC)The only side-effects I've had from platelet donation are a tingly feeling that's apparently caused by a temporary depletion of calcium, and extreme chilliness. Since the blood they put back in your body is considerably cooler than it was when it came out, you tend to feel a bit cold. But they always have blankets. (The place where I donate now actually heats their blankets!) But these go away, at least for me, as soon as the donation is over.