Platelets, the component in blood responsible for its clotting ability, are most often used in cancer treatments, organ transplants and surgeries.  Donors at the Pleasanton center will be able to donate platelets through an automated blood collection system.  

During the process, blood is drawn from a donor’s arm into a machine, where it is spun down to remove the platelets.  The remaining components – such as red blood cells and plasma – are then returned to the donor.  Some platelet donors are able to give two or three units in one donation.  

“Platelets have an extremely short shelf-life of only five days,” Northern California Blood Services Region CEO Jeff Meyer said.  “As a result, the demand for platelets is always high.  It’s important that we make it as convenient as possible for our donors to give what is needed, which is why we added platelet collection to our Pleasanton location.”  

The Northern California Region operates five blood donation centers.  The Pleasanton center will be the fourth to offer platelet collection – joining the Oakland, Pleasant Hill and San Jose locations.  The Pleasanton center will be accepting platelet donations by appointment only, every Friday through Monday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Interested donors should call 1-888-881-0988.  

To celebrate this new addition, all presenting platelet donors during the first week of collection at the Pleasanton center will receive a pair of movie tickets.*  Applicable dates include Monday, Dec. 12, and Friday, Dec. 16, through Sunday, Dec. 18.  

The Pleasanton center started another special collection process very recently.  Double red cell collection – also done through an automated system – allows donors to safely give two units of red blood cells at each visit.  And because red blood cells are needed by almost every type of patient requiring a transfusion, this process allows donors to give more of what patients need most with each donation.  

The Pleasanton Blood Donation Center is located at

About the American Red Cross  

The Northern California Blood Services Region has been collecting blood for the community since the late 1940s.  The region supplies blood to 30 Bay Area hospitals, and must collect more than 300 pints of blood each day in order to meet hospital needs.  Visit redcrossblood.org for more information.  

* Movie tickets are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.