Platelet Donation

Can anyone donate platelets?

You can become a platelet donor if you are generally in good health, and aged 17 to 65 (if you have not donated before). However, if you are over 65 and already a blood donor then you can become a platelet donor as long as you have given a full donation in the last 2 years.

You do not have to have given blood before - you need to give a small sample of blood to determine if you have a high enough platelet count . Your sample is assessed which takes about 8 weeks, during which time we can determine your blood group. Currently we are looking to boost our recruitment of A group donors as their donations can be given to patients with blood groups other than their own.

We look forward to welcoming you as a donor, whether is it giving platelets or whole blood - both of which help to save lives.

So, what's the next step?

Hopefully, this website has explained the urgent need for platelets, as well as the issues we face about the location and eligibility of people who can donate. If you think platelet donation is for you, please give us a call on 0300 123 23 23, and we'll answer any questions you have. We'll take your details, and the next step will be for your local centre's Platelet Donor Manager to contact you and arrange a visit to see if platelet donation is for you.

We would like to emphasise again: both whole blood donors and platelet donors are equally valued and needed. If you do find that platelet donation is not for you, we very much hope you will continue to donate whole blood.

Aspirin and blood donation

Will aspirin affect my platelet donation?

The chemical composition of aspirin impairs the ability of platelets, a component of blood that helps to prevent bleeding, to function properly. Platelet donors must refrain from donating for five days if they have taken any products containing aspirin.

Will aspirin affect my blood donation?

Blood donors can donate after taking aspirin and preparations containing aspirin, as long as they are well. The chemical composition of aspirin impairs the ability of platelets, a component of blood that helps to prevent bleeding, to function properly. Therefore, it's important that we know if you've taken aspirin, so that the platelets from the blood donation are not used.

Should I stop taking aspirin so I can donate platelets?

We recommend you consult your GP before stopping or starting any medication.