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Do the local Red Cross centers use one or two arms for platelet donations?
I've been giving blood as often as allowed since the beginning of Covid-19 (which affected supplies dramatically! )
I've learned that I'm able to donate platelets in between whole blood donations. I'm reading that platelet donations take about 3 hours. There are two different types of machines used - some use one arm, others use both arms.
Now, I can sit for 3 hours with my kindle, but if they are gonna tie up both of my arms, I wont be able to use my kindle. And I'm not so sure I can sit for 3 hours and stare into space.
NOTE: I've tried calling our local red Cross, and gave up after 40 minutes on hold. I'm happy to go to another non-profit donation group, but not the ones that pay donors.
Donated a Few weeks ago at Regency they use insert in both arms but had TVs with Netflix. Bring a sweater/sweatshirt
Did they let you choose your own show? (I'm sorry to be a jerk about this - I just can not sit still for 3 hours with nothing to occupy my brain besides the 'joy' of being out of my house an in another environment.)
Yes, my husband said both arms but you get to pick your own Netflix show and remote. He says you don't get a choice if you gave whole blood in last 50-60 days. You may be able to ask for single arm otherwise but he's not sure.
It's been a little over a year since I did it due to some international travel that has put me on the temporarily ineligible list, but before that I did it regularly at the Red Cross donation center on University Drive in Durham. Two armed method. Each of the donation machines have a DVD player and TV screen built in, and they have hundreds of DVDs to choose from. They'd probably let you bring your own - although if it's R rated with nudity or something like that, that could be awkward. Don't pick out anything too short or you'll still end up sitting around for a while. But don't pick out anything too long - they won't let you lounge around after you are done until it is finished! Make sure you really go to the bathroom ahead of time! And do let the phlebotomists know if you have a nose itch, or the headphones to the TV came loose, or something like that. You won't be able to move your arms at all, obviously.
One of the posters above mentioned that they may now do Netflix instead? That would be pretty cool - you can just resume whatever you are currently bingeing when you get there, and then resume where you stopped once you get home.
Did they let you choose your own show? (I'm sorry to be a jerk about this - I just can not sit still for 3 hours with nothing to occupy my brain besides the 'joy' of being out of my house an in another environment.)
You don't actually spend the whole three hours hooked up to the machine. I've done it twice and the last time I paid better attention and the timer on the machine was set for 90 minutes. With time for the intake, getting the machine set up and hanging at the "canteen" afterwards it was about 2.5 hours total. I am not one to get cold easily but I would bring a blanket.
The time hooked-up can vary depending on how much you donate.
I'm told I have "thick" blood and always agree to donate two bags instead of the regular one.
It extends my connected time about 30-45 minutes (but obviously doesn't effect the overhead of before and afterwards stuff).
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