EHC Is 1st City Hospital To Collect Blood Platelets

Elmhurst Hospital Center is now taking appointments to collect blood platelets from local donors. Elmhurst is the first public hospital in the city to do this procedure for patients who need platelet transfusions. "The benefit to collecting platelets on site is that we already have an established and dedicated donor base to ensure blood is on hand and can be relied upon in times of crisis or when supplies are low. Donations also give a patient's family members a greater opportunity to assist with the treatment of their loved one and provide them with a direct connection to the treatment," Blood Donor Associate Director Sheila McGann said.

Platelets are formed in bone marrow and are the cells in the body that control bleeding and clot the blood. They are typically needed for leukemia patients and can also be used for individuals who suffer from trauma-related accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately nine million platelet transfusions are performed in the United States each year. Locally, 100,000 are performed in New York City and 800 at Elmhurst Hospital Center annually. The New York Blood Center aims to supply 200 platelet units (73,000 platelets) a day to the New York City area (including Eastern New Jersey and Long Island). Having the ability to collect platelets on site will benefit patients because of a quicker turnaround time for transfusions.

During the hour-and-a-half procedure, blood is spun through a cell separator (apheresis) machine, separating the platelets and then returning the remainder of the blood to the body. Platelet donations, like whole blood donations, are tested for infectious diseases along with 13 other checks per unit. The cell separator is a sterile system of disposable tubing and collection bags that are used once and then discarded. Donors must be 18 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, must eat regular meals and drink plenty of fluids two to three hours before donating. Aspirin or products containing aspirin cannot be taken three days prior to a donation. Platelets can be donated every three days, up to 24 times per year.

Elmhurst Hospital Center will also be expanding its cancer services later this year. "With the addition of the Cancer Center, we anticipate an increase in the number of patients we treat here at Elmhurst who will need platelet transfusions," Elmhurst Hospital Center Executive Director Chris Constantino said. "In addition to helping our patients, donations will also benefit the city financially. Each donation saves the hospital approximately $390."

The Elmhurst Hospital Center Donor Room, located on the first floor of the hospital, is currently scheduling appointments or taking walk-in donations. Individuals can schedule an appointment on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. by calling 718-334-2022.

Elmhurst Hospital Center is affiliated with the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, a part of the Queens Health Network, and is a member of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation.