How to Prepare For Your Platelet Donation

Donating platelets is a little different than donating a regular blood donation. Real American Red Cross platelet donors show how they prepare before their donation. Whether it's your first donation or your 10th donation, you may find a trick or two that helps during your platelet donation! Learn more at redcrossblood.o....
#redcross #blooddonation #platelets

[@elennapointer701]

Speaking as a platelet donor I approve of any method that makes a process that - to a non-donor - may seem scary, actually pretty funny. My thumbs be up.

[@vulpesvitriolic6293]

I got an 800-number calling me to donate platelets for the first time. Usually, I tell those automated calls to unsubscribe me. This time, I gave them some of my time, and now I’m going to give some platelets for the first time. This video definitely helped me feel more at ease.

[@ibsuperwoman]

"you're not reacting - neither am I" 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@Jumboo364]

I love this! Platelets save lives!

[@Paladin3840]

Informative and reassuring. I recently tested + for CV-19 antibodies. One Blood called and asked if i would donate. I'm debating. If this coach or her twin handles the process I will definitely say yes!

[@romuloromero2268]

Informative and hilarious

[@raquelthomas8385]

I have an appointment this Friday and I'm excited. But that coach needs to buy her own socks!

[@nicolette2266]

This is so cute!!! I’ve been thinking of giving back, so why not save lives by giving platelets? You can do it way more often than donating whole blood. Only trouble is I’m not great with needles. Anybody have any tips for overcoming the fear??

[@davev.9111]

Nicolette the only way to get used to the needles really is to consistently donate. It only lasts for about two seconds and most people say the finger stick to check your hematocrit is the worst part. If you really want you could donate with a friend or have them hold your hand though may not be the greatest idea with this virus.

[@emmaz.7397]

I think the scrubbing of the needle site is the worst part! Lol. But something you can do while they stick you is to pinch yourself. That way you’ll distract yourself with a different pain/stimulus

[@2007001313]

It's jus lik a 2 second pinch - close Ur eyes and look away from the arm blood is being drawn from - eat high calorie food ( burger n fries n coke )

[@gwillis01]

I say you should tell the lab technician that you are going to keep your eyes totally closed and then do it. You don't have to look at the needle for the procedure to be done.

[@2listening1]

I know it sounds crazy but I used to pinch my arm a minute or two before the needle, just till it barely hurts. Then I don’t watch the needle. After a few months I didn’t need to anymore, lol.

[@2listening1]

That lady is scary yet funny and talented and cute.

[@VampQueen18]

Literally LOVE this lol

[@SoTypicallyMeh]

If anyone who's already donated platelets sees this: how much can you move your arms during the donation? I'm donating for the first time on Monday, and I want to know if I'll be able to, say, turn the pages of a book, or play games on my phone with both hands, etc.

[@redcross]

Red Cross video producer here - it seems like people are not able to move their arms enough to play a game on their phone or read a book during the donation. Plus you need to be able to squeeze your hand to keep the blood flow consistent. Most of the time, it seems like people just relax or watch a show on a laptop or DVD player (some of the donation sites have DVD players you can borrow).

[@Cardenas50zz58]

Sure u can...just the arm you aren't using to donate blood. You can read a book. If You want to play a game, make sure it's a game that doesn't require both hands.

[@iambrunei]

@@redcross wow. Awesome that. Where I donate, they have a tv for us to watch. I bring snacks: fruits that I cut up earlier so I can munch on while donating. They also have cookies (usually oat ones) and a choice of hot beverage as well as water.

[@iambrunei]

How was it? Did you go through with the donation? Do share your experience!

[@deborahwillette9321]

Can’t move them...get an audio book instead

[@heatherlashell5399]

I gave platelets regularly when we lived in PA. However, since moving to NC 2 years ago, there is no place nearby where I can donate. I now give whole blood, but even that is difficult to do. If they are so needy, why not make it easier?

[@emmaz.7397]

Hi Heather, sometimes blood centers have a website you can go to so you can look for mobile blood drives in your area. I hope that helps and you keep donating! It’s so important to be a regular donor

[@josephrouse5395]

I'm gonna try the molasses to help with platelet donation.

[@brylynnazarenefarro8763]

My 1st tym to donate my platelets..

[@arijitsaha4729]

How many days after donating blood platelets can be donated?

[@somewhereinspace2166]

7 days.

[@davidmiller6981]

Depends make yourself comfortable nobody can tell

[@VampQueen18]

Why am I just now seeing this?! 🤣🤣🤣

[@2listening1]

I kind of want to marry the molasses guy! 💛👍🏆☝️

[@gwillis01]

hello friends

[@SF-ce1qn]

Great video! Please donate platelets people! You're being ridiculous if you're scared! Think of the cancer patients who need platelets!

[@robnation2475]

Molasses ...Now you tell me!

[@simplykendy3297]

Lol to funny research

[@dachickenman]

This seems awful. Red Cross is already pushy with their phone calls. The idea that they would actually show up to my house if I signed up to donate platelets really turns me off.

[@ekw555]

don't worry, it's just the gimmick for this video.

[@ejwerme]

@@ekw555 He said "the _idea_ ... turns me off." Her line "Can I come in? I'm coming in." warrants a 911 call in my book. Pushy? The Red Cross?

[@thomasbrooks1478]

@@ejwerme I agree, this video sends the wrong message right off the bat. Some crazed looking gal forcing her way in the house? Wow. If I didn't already donate platelets this video would certainly dissuade me from doing so.

[@SuperHobsons]

I ask myself this often: “Why do so many people need to be so negative and complain so much?.... Why can’t you people just see the good in this - and not make saving blood with giving blood about you!

[@dachickenman]

@@SuperHobsons Here's why: if you care about blood donations, you should also care about the quality of promotional materials. Ads that make being a blood donor seem less pleasant means fewer people will donate blood.