ÚHKT - Ústav hematologie a krevní transfuze
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Information on collection

Blood platelet collection

  • given the short lifespan of blood platelets and their current need, donors are scheduled only by telephone with 1-2 days advance notice for a specific patient, while maintaining anonymity between donor and recipient. During the telephone conversation with staff, the donor arranges a specific day and time for collection (7:00 or 8:30), and any possible current restrictions on donation are also assessed
  • the day before collection, it is advisable to follow dietary guidelines, not to engage in physically strenuous activities, not to eat fatty foods, and not to drink alcohol
  • before collection, donors undergo a current blood test, the donor completes a pre-collection questionnaire and undergoes examination by a doctor from the Apheresis Department, who will assess their eligibility for collection. The donor is entitled to a pre-collection refreshment (pastry, coffee, tea), and it is not advisable to come for collection on an empty stomach.
  • the actual collection takes 60–70 minutes and during it the donor is cared for by an experienced team of doctors and nurses. The duration of collection depends on the donor's body constitution, blood test parameters before collection, and the condition of the venous access. Collection can be performed in two ways depending on the condition of the donor's venous access. Single-arm collection, where collection and blood return alternate in cycles during collection, or two-arm collection, where collection occurs from one arm and blood is returned to the other arm. The material used during collection is sterile and for single use only.
  • machine collection is completed by donors in most cases without complications, although complications may occasionally occur, and in most cases they are minor and the department staff resolves them without difficulty. This may include hypotension—a drop in blood pressure, hypocalcemia—a drop in blood calcium levels, which causes tingling of the mouth, fingertips, or problems with venous access. In the event of any difficulties during collection, this information must be communicated in time to the Apheresis Department staff.
  • the usual intervals between platelet collections are 4 weeks, the interval can be shortened to 14 days in extraordinary situations according to the doctor's decision. Platelet collections can also be combined with other types of collections (whole blood, plasma) by arrangement with the donor, and it is necessary to maintain the recommended intervals between individual types of collections.
  • after collection, the donor is entitled to a meal voucher worth 110 CZK.
  • after collection, we recommend rest, not lifting heavy loads, and adequate fluid replenishment.
  • the donor is entitled to time off work on the day of collection with pay replacement ( Law 262/2016 Coll., § 203, para. 2 letters d) and c). For each non-remunerated collection, the donor is entitled to a tax deduction ( Law No. 586/1992 Coll., § 15, para. 1, amendment to Decree 254/2017). Health insurance companies provide non-remunerated blood platelet donors with various benefits, and the donor is also recognized by the Czech Red Cross (Donor recognition (cervenykriz.eu) ).