I have never donated platelets, but my dad did for his mother who had cancer. From my under standing is that the blood goes through a machine that strips the platelets out. A high in calcium solution is added to the blood before it goes back into you. Dad said that the blood goes out one arm and in the other.He said that it hurt no different then just getting the IV started. He said the only thing that got him was that it made him real cold. My dad said that it was very cold and they gave him blankets that had been warmed because his lips were turning blue. He drank hot cocoa and ate hot soup for dinner to help warm back up!!My dad said that it was an experience that he will not ever forget, because he was able to help his mother. |