Donation basics
Difference Between Blood Donation and Platelet Donation
Two ways to give; both save lives differently.
Whole blood
10 minutes on the couch, ~450 ml collected, separated later into red cells, plasma and platelets; you can give again after ~3 months.
Platelet (apheresis)
A machine draws blood, keeps platelets, returns the rest; ~90 minutes, richer platelet dose, and a two-week interval.
Which should you do?
Do whole blood by default; if you're a regular donor near a center with apheresis and have time, platelets multiply your impact — especially in dengue season.
Frequently asked questions
Does apheresis hurt more?
Same needle experience, just longer; many donors read or watch a film through it.
Can HelpALife requests specify platelets?
Yes — requests carry the urgency and details, and the hospital confirms the component needed.