Donating Platlets

beertons

I'm coming up to my 20th blood donation, and I'd like to start giving platelets after. Can someone tell me what the process is? What's it like, how long does it take. Is there much parking available around the hospital, James's. Or would I be better to get the train up to Heuston and walk up?

chickey2

Mention it the next time you're donating and they can make an appointment for you to have an assessment. Not all blood donors can donate platelets as you need a high platelet count and good veins.
The process takes a good bit longer than donating blood, think it's about 2 hours.
There's parking for donors at the National Blood Centre, once you have an appointment, but it's very close to the luas so that's an option.

Kurtosis

Similar to blood donations, a typical platelet appointment involves filling out a donor questionnaire, then a nurse will generally confirm some questions with you and get you to sign a donor declaration. You'll then get brought to a bed for the donation. On your first donation they'll take a blood sample to check your platelet count before starting the donation. For subsequent appointments, they'll check your platelet count during the donation.

It takes between 50-80 minutes depending on your weight, platelet count, and whether you're giving a double or treble donation. As chickey said they do provide parking for donors.

Fire ahead if you've any other queries!

RayCun

You can also give a single donation, which takes about 30 minutes.
And you can donate platelets once a month

Seth Brundle

The team in St. James are great. I had around 200 donations (one donation per month usually a double and each time you donate it counts as two points/donations).
The donation process involves a quick interview to make sure that you're fit and healthy. Then up on a bed, needle in arm and lie there with a newspaper or book or laptop for 45 to 90 minutes depending on various factors as already mentioned. I usually gave a double which was about 70 mins.

Before donating, don't take Asprin for (IIRC) a week, stay away from monkeys, gay sex and "coke n hookers" - probably the same as blood donations. I also used to have to keep off fatty ir greasy foods for a few days beforehand as this came through into the donation which rendered it useless.

Gutted that I had to give it up last Autumn following a big heart attack

beertons

Thanks for all the info. The parking is a huge bonus. It usually takes me 3 hours here for a normal donation, what with the queue and waiting. I wouldn't mind, but I'm only 3 minutes from the sports hall where they're set up.

Sorry to hear about the h attack kbannon, you hit a great number though, and helped many more.

Icemancometh

beertons wrote: »

Thanks for all the info. The parking is a huge bonus. It usually takes me 3 hours here for a normal donation, what with the queue and waiting. I wouldn't mind, but I'm only 3 minutes from the sports hall where they're set up.

Sorry to hear about the h attack kbannon, you hit a great number though, and helped many more.

Just fyi about the parking. The last time I donated (a few weeks ago), the car park was full and I had to park out on the street instead.

Kurtosis

RayCun wrote: »

You can also give a single donation, which takes about 30 minutes.
And you can donate platelets once a month

I never knew you could give a single donation, apart from if your platelet count was unusually low, handy to know!

beertons

Booked in for my first platlet donation on Sept fifth. I was assured there'd be a parking space for me.

Icemancometh

beertons wrote: »

Booked in for my first platlet donation on Sept fifth. I was assured there'd be a parking space for me.

I've never had a problem until my last time donating, when I had to park on the street. It's not a big deal, just remember to have some spare change so you're not caught short. And good luck in September!