Until recently, the only way to collect enough platelets for a single transfusion was to take blood from five to ten donors, separate platelets from the other blood cells, and combine the platelets to obtain a large enough quantity for transfusion.

Today, sophisticated medical equipment -- blood cell separators -- can collect enough platelets for one transfusion from a single donor. Using a technique called apheresis, blood is drawn from the vein into an apheresis instrument, which separates the blood into separate portions by centrifugation.

By appropriately adjusting the instrument, a selected portion of the blood, such as platelets, can be recovered, while the rest of the blood is returned to the donor either into the same vein or into a vein in the other arm.

This process takes more time than whole blood donation, but the percentage of platelets is much greater. Television sets are available with headphones for private listening to the TV channel of your choice or movie of your choice.

The entire process takes about two hours. The Tulsa, Dallas and Wichita Falls Platelet Donation Centers are open a variety of hours, including Saturdays and Sundays, so you can pick a suitable time for your schedule.

Platelet donation is a simple, safe process -- very much like regular blood donation. In fact, your body starts replenishing platelets immediately after your donation. Within 48 hours, your body's platelets should be completely replenished.