During treatment of certain diseases such as leukemia and other cancers, a patient's platelet count may fall dangerously low, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding episodes. Platelet transfusions provided by apheresis donors help control bleeding.

Apheresis platelets are obtained through the use of a special instrument called a cell separator. Whole blood is drawn from one arm, circulated through the cell separator to isolate the platelets and then reinfused into the other arm. The entire process requires one to two hours, depending on the procedure used. As with whole blood donation, the donor feels no adverse effects, and the platelets are replenished within several days.

Apheresis donors may donate every two weeks but no more than twenty four times a year. Apheresis donations are scheduled by appointment.