An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.
Issue link: https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/1123012
An Cosantóir June 2019 www.dfmagazine.ie 24 | We are asking you to consider Becoming a Platelet donor ? Be a platelet Donor? You may already be a blood donor, or giving blood maybe something you always wanted to do. But there is an extra special gift you can give, to help save or improve the lives of Irish patients. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service would like you to consider becoming a platelet donor. What are platelets? • Platelets are a precious component of blood • Produced in the Bonemarrow and essential to enable blood to clot properly. • Platelet donations needed frequently as these cells have a shelf life of just ve days To be a platelet donor, you must: • Be between 18 and 59 years of age ( before 60th Birthday ) • Weigh 60 kg or more ( 9 stone 7 lbs. ) • All blood groups are needed O, A, B and AB You cannot become a platelet donor if: • You have ever received a blood transfusion • You are female and had a pregnancy of any gestation • You are required to take aspirin or ant-inammatories regularly When you give platelets you give someone: • Another birthday • Another school day • Another summer day • Another laugh • Another chance How are platelets collected? The donation process is quite simple and takes from 60 to 90 minutes depending on the procedure. Your blood is processed through a cell separator where it is separated into the dierent components. The platelets are removed and collected in a bag, while the remaining components are returned to your body. Who needs platelets? Children and adults with cancer or leukaemia need platelets after having chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Platelets are also needed by: • New born babies • Bone Marrow and organ transplant patients • Burns victims and patients undergoing extensive surgery Platelet donations can be made at our special platelet Centres in: • IBTS, National Blood Centre, James's Street, Dublin 8 • IBTS, Munster Regional Transfusion centre, St Finbarr's Hospital, Douglas Road, Cork How can I become a platelet donor? • You can register your interest on www.giveblood.ie • Text PLATELET to 53377 ( to receive platelet donation information ) • Fill in the platelet application form (free post) • Call to book an assessment - Cork 021 4807429, Dublin 01 4322833 Where can I give platelets: