LifeSource asks donors platelet donations

The month of October is dedicated to breast cancer research.

Amid this national awareness campaign, however, it's easy to overlook the benefit that platelet donations have for those who are undergoing chemotherapy as part of their breast cancer treatment regime.

That's why LifeSource is reminding its donors this month to "Think Pink. Think Platelets."

According to the regional blood center, chemotherapy treatments can often cause patients to lose valuable platelets - the specialized blood cells that help control blood clotting.

"When their platelet levels fall too low, patients are given a transfusion of platelets that replenishes their blood supply and prevents life threatening hemorrhages," says Chad Douglas, executive director of Blood Operations at LifeSource.

A platelet donation takes little longer than the traditional, whole blood donation, he says. The procedure is performed at LifeSource community donor centers across the Chicago area. Platelet donations are completed through an automated procedure that allows blood centers to focus on a specific product for a specific patient need. This philosophy is called Collect to Need.

Because the process is less invasive, Douglas adds, donors can support patients every two weeks through platelet donations.

The shelf life of platelets is relatively short - five days - vs. 42 days for red blood cells.

"That's why platelet donations, particularly for those with blood types A, B, and AB, are constantly needed," says Douglas.

In preparation for their donation, donors are asked to eat well, stay hydrated and arrive with proper identification. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old with parental consent).

For information about platelet donations, and to learn where you can donate, visit lifesource.org.

Established in 1987, and a business unit of The Institute for Transfusion Medicine, LifeSource is a nonprofit organization and the largest blood center in Illinois. LifeSource provides blood products and transfusion-related services to hospitals in the Chicago area.

Blood donors must be 17 years old, or 16 with signed parental consent, and should prepare by eating a meal or healthy snack and properly hydrating. Donors must bring photo identification when they donate.

For information, go to lifesource.org or visit our Facebook page, LifeSourceOrg or Twitter, @LifeSourceOrg.