Limerick Township to Host Platelet Donation Opportunity

Limerick Township will host a Red Cross platelet donation drive at the township building on April 18 from 3 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Platelets are a component of blood, along with red blood cells and plasma. The donation process is very simple, much like donating blood, and can be incredibly useful for patients facing chemotherapy or organ transplants. Platelets can help boost an ill patient's immune system. 

The Red Cross website says platelet donations are also important because the quantity of platelets in one donation is obtained through as many as 18 whole blood donations. 

Any blood type can donate platelets, but the need is greatest for A positive, B positive and AB blood types. The need for platelets from other blood types depends on location.

During the donation, you are hooked up to an apheresis machine, which can be either a single-arm or double-arm machine. The machine takes blood, a quarter pint at a time, filters out the platelets and returns the rest of the blood components to your body along with an anticoagulant and saline to replenish lost fluids.

If you have one of those three blood types, the Red Cross strongly encourages you to donate. 

To schedule an appointment, visit the Red Cross website or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.