IBTS needs more platelet donors

Platelets are needed every day for the treatment of patients with cancer, leukaemia, premature babies, major surgery, burns patients, accident victims who have had extensive injury and new born babies.

However, platelets have the shortest shelf life of all blood components, lasting only 7 days. This means the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has a constant need for platelet donors to ensure we meet the needs of these patients.

Why are life saving platelets needed?

Over 24,000 platelet transfusions are needed every year in Ireland. The IBT need every blood group every single day. Many of Ireland's patients rely on platelets, so it is important supplies are constantly replenished.

Platelets are essential to enable blood to clot properly and are a component of blood. Patients who do not have enough platelets in their blood are at risk of spontaneous bleeding.

How do I know if I can give platelets? To find out if you are able to donate platelets take the eligibility quiz on www.giveblood.ie and fill in the online application form.

There are two platelet clinics in Ireland. One is the National Blood Centre on James Street, Dublin 8. The other is the Munster Regional Transfusion Centre at St Finbarr’s Hospital, Douglas Road, Cork.

Meet one of the platelet donors who donates in Cork:

Elaine Sheedy O’Sullivan is a platelet donor in the Munster Regional Transfusion Centre, St Finbarrs Hospital in Cork.

“I am from Blackrock and grew up looking at my parents donating blood. I find donating platelets such an easy process, you just sit there and you know you are helping save someone life, it’s a great feeling.”

Call 01-4322833 (Dublin) or 021-4807429 (Cork) to speak to one of the staff about giving platelets.