For some, the first gift given on Christmas was the gift of life
Dec 26, 2024, 3:00 PM
Phlebotomists Paul Darlington and Sariah Kenney set up Becky Watkins to donate platelets and plasma at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center and Lab in Murray on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. (Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)
(Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — American Red Cross locations in Salt Lake City, Layton, and Lehi were open on Christmas morning so that donors could offer the unique gift of blood platelets.
Officially known as thrombocytes, blood platelets help our bodies form clots. They are especially important, said Red Cross Utah Director Jeremy Lafranca, for a couple of reasons.
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“They play a vital role in treating various health conditions, including cancer and chronic diseases, traumatic injuries,” Lafranca said. “We really do need platelet donors.”
And they differ from blood donations in their life cycle. Platelets have a much shorter shelf life than does donated blood, they must be used within five days of their donation.
“So when you think about that, between processing and the time it takes to get out to the hospital, we are looking at a couple of days to really get those [platelets] to the patients that need them,” Lafranca said. “That’s why it’s so crucial to have people come in on Christmas Day.”
It takes between 2 and 3 hours to donate platelets. People who are interested can learn more at the American Red Cross of Utah.
Tammy Kikuchi is a reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio.
