Donating a unit of blood for a patient. This unit of blood can be processed into 3 components namely red cells, platelets and plasma. The components are used to save 3 lives.

This process takes approximately 30 minutes to donate.

Platelets play a vital role in blood clotting and prevention of excess blood loss. The blood is processed through a cell separator, which retains the platelets and returns the other blood components to the donor’s system. This procedure enables people to donate platelets every month.

Platelet donation is a simple process that takes about an hour and a half to complete.

Plasma donation is a similar process to platelet donation, and takes about 90 minutes. The blood is processed through a cell separating machine that filters out the plasma and returns the red cells and other cellular components to the donor’s system.

Plasma can be donated every 2 weeks where possible.

Other specialised donations include Autologous donation where you donate blood for yourself before a pre-planned surgery and designated donation where your family and friends donate blood for you.

Please contact the call centre for more information as this is specialised donation.