About Platelet and Blood Donation
Learn about donating blood at the Brigham and Women's Hospital Blood Donor Center
Platelets are the clotting agents of the blood, which help to control bleeding. Cancer patients, trauma victims, and transplant recipients are only a few of the many patients who will need platelet transfusions.
Transfusions of blood and platelets are critical to helping patients return to health. Each year we transfuse more than 10,000 units of platelets. The only source of platelets is a healthy donor; there is no substitute.
After a donor's third platelet donation at the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center, the donor's blood is HLA-tissue-typed. The donor is invited to join the National Marrow Donor Program at Dana-Farber. The typical fee to join the registry is waived.
Appointments
The Kraft Family Blood Donor Center is located at Dana-Farber on the first floor of the Jimmy Fund building at 35 Binney Street.
You can make an appointment to donate platelets at the Kraft Center during the hours listed below.
First time donors:
Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday, 7:30 a.m.– 12 p.m.
Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Regular hours:
Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, 7 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Contact us
Call 888-LETSGIV or 617-632-3206 for more information.
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Kraft Family Blood Donor Center and the Brigham and Women's Hospital's Blood Donor Center are members of the Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine. Together these centers provide essential blood products to patients cared for in both institutions. The Kraft Center collects platelets; the BWH Donor Center collects whole blood and red cells. Our program's research and quality standards ensure the safety of the more than 60,000 transfusions performed annually at our patient care facilities.
What to Expect while Donating Platelets
Learn about donating blood at the Brigham and Women's Hospital Blood Donor Center
You can contact the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center at 617-632-3206 to make an appointment to donate platelets. First-time donors will need to complete a brief pre-screening interview via phone.
Plan to spend about two hours at the donor center. When you arrive, you will complete a confidential screening about your medical and travel history.
Platelets are collected by a procedure called apheresis (a-far-EE-sis). During this process, a machine collecting blood from one arm separates your platelets from the other blood components, which are returned to you. Safety is our priority; all materials used are new for each donor and then discarded.
The donation takes about 90 minutes. You're welcome to bring something to read, watch a selection from our multimedia library on a personal TV screen, use our free wifi, or simply sit back and relax.
After the donation, you will be asked to remain in the donor center for a brief period of rest, when you can relax and enjoy some refreshments.
You are eligible to donate platelets every seven days (up to 24 times a year), if you:
- Are at least 17 years old;
- Weigh at least 110 pounds;
- Are in good health;
- Do not have/take the following, prior to donating, for the specified time
- Aspirin (48 hours)
- Ibuprofen, Advil, naproxen, Motrin, Aleve (24 hours)
- Feldene (48 hours)
- Plavix (14 days)
- Antibiotics (72 hours)
- Dental cleaning (48 hours)
For additional eligibility guidelines, please contact the donor center.
Frequently Asked Questions about Donating Platelets
Learn about donating blood at the Brigham and Women's Hospital Blood Donor Center
What are platelets?
Platelets are the clotting agents of the blood, which help to control bleeding.
Am I qualified to donate platelets?
Before your first donation with us, a recruiter from the Kraft Center will conduct a brief pre-screening to determine your eligibility.
In general, to donate platelets you must be:
- Are at least 17 years old;
- Weigh at least 110 pounds;
- Are in good health;
- Do not have/take the following, prior to donating, for the specified time
- Aspirin (48 hours)
- Ibuprofen, Advil, naproxen, Motrin, Aleve (24 hours)
- Feldene (48 hours)
- Plavix (14 days)
- Antibiotics (72 hours)
- Dental cleaning (48 hours)
You will be unable to donate if you:
- Have had a tattoo within the last 12 months;
- Are pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant; or
- Have traveled to a malarial-risk country in the last year.
There are other travel, medical conditions, and medications that may make you ineligible to donate. Please contact the donor center with any questions about your eligibility.
How frequently can I donate platelets?
You can donate platelets once every seven days (up to 24 times a year). Many of our donors donate on a regular schedule every two weeks.
What happens during the donation?
Before you donate, a recruiter from the Kraft Center will conduct a brief pre-screening to determine your general eligibility. You will be asked basic questions about your medical and travel history.
Platelets are collected by a procedure called apheresis (a-fer-EE-sis). During this process, a machine — collecting blood from one arm — separates your platelets from the other blood components, which are returned to you. Donating platelets takes about 90 minutes.
After the donation you will enjoy a refreshment and brief period of relaxation before returning to your normal daily activities.
How can I prepare to donate platelets?
Before your donation, make sure to have something to eat and drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids. Try and get a good night's sleep before donating, so you are well-rested.
What should I bring when I donate?
On the day of the donation, please bring:
- Valid photo ID
- List of any medications you are currently taking
- List of areas you have visited outside the U.S.
Is parking free for donors?
Yes. Parking in the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care (YCCC) garage, located next to the donor center, is free for the entire day that you donate platelets. Bring your YCCC garage parking ticket with you to your donation appointment so the Kraft Center staff can validate it.
How long will it take to donate platelets?
The actual donation takes about 90 minutes, although this varies from person to person. Plan on additional time for the pre-screening and post-donation relaxation and refreshment. In total, allow about two hours.
Does it hurt to donate platelets?
Most people say they only feel a slight pinch of the needle at the start of the donation. Many people also report feeling great after donating because they know they've helped patients in need.
Are donated platelets stored?
Platelets have a shelf life of only five days from the time they are collected to when they are transfused. For this reason, platelet donors are always needed to keep up a constant supply.
I still have questions. How do I contact the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center?
We'll be happy to answer your questions. Please call 617-632-3206 or email sean_wiedemeier@dfci.harvard.edu
I don't have two hours to spare. How else can I help?
The Kraft Family Blood Donor Center offers a range of convenient appointments, beginning as early as 7:00 a.m. on certain days.
You may be concerned about the time commitment to donate. But many donors use the time to catch up on work or reading while they donate. You can bring your laptop or a book, use our free wifi, or watch TV or movies on a personal screen.
If you still find the time commitment too much, you might consider donating blood, which takes less time (usually about 45 minutes to one hour). You could also consider asking your employer or other organization to which you belong to host a blood drive.