Principal activities of the Autotransfusion Unit (AU) include separation of platelets (thrombocytes) and plasma from voluntary donors and provision of these transfusion products to clinical departments – particularly for the demanding transplantation programme of IKEM, but also for other (as well as external) departments. Furthermore, we perform collections for autotransfusions before scheduled surgeries.
Therapeutic procedures (depletion of erythrocytapheresis, immunoadsorption, MNC separation, etc.) are performed in indicated patients.
We ensure operation of the Tissue Facility of IKEM in the scope of authorisation issued by SÚKL (State Institute for Drug Control).
All AU activities are audited by SÚKL every 2 years.
Unit location: building G, 2nd floor (left from the main entrance, right after the pharmacy)
Office hours: 7:30 am – 3 pm
Other telephone numbers: +420 236 055 406;
e-mail: autotrans@ikem.cz
The Autotransfusion Unit of IKEM is looking for new donors of platelets and plasma! Lives of other people depend on donations of platelets and plasma, as well as on blood donations! The numbers of platelet and plasma donors are never high enough; become a voluntary donors of platelets and plasma!
Why are we looking for new donors of platelets and plasma?
Thrombocyte (platelet) concentrate and plasma are obtained from voluntary donors. Similarly as blood, only certain blood components can be donated, such as platelets and plasma.
Thrombocyte concentrates are administered to people who have insufficient counts of their own platelets. These are usually people in a generally serious health condition. Platelets play multiple roles in the body; their main role is their involvement in stopping bleeding.
Plasma is likewise supplied to patients in life-threatening conditions, particularly in liver disorders and transplantations. Plasma is the liquid part of blood; it provides an environment for blood cells and contains a number of substances important for the body (particularly proteins and substances that affect blood coagulation).
Who can become a donor of platelets and plasma?
Every healthy person aged 19-55 years can become a donor.
What health-related circumstances exclude donation of platelets and plasma?
Infectious diseases
Serious diseases (for example angina pectoris, heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure, vascular diseases, diabetes, liver and pancreas diseases, tuberculosis, brucellosis, tularemia, toxoplasmosis, listeriosis, system and rheumatic diseases, and others)
Drug abuse
Promiscuity (having frequent sex with different partners)
Jaundice type B or C (also in the past)
Pregnancy and lactation
Menstruation (throughout the whole period and about 3 days after its end)
Hormonal contraception does not prevent donations; other drugs require a consultation with the doctor. A certain time interval must be observed after vaccination; its duration depends on the type of vaccine. A time interval must also be respected after any common illness or surgery.
How to become a donor of platelets and plasma?
New donors are examined every working day in the morning, between 7:30 am and 8:30 am.
A light, non-fat breakfast should be consumed on the collection day. You should bring your ID card and your health insurance card. You will obtain the Instructions for blood donors to read and then you will complete the Questionnaire for blood donors. You will have an interview with the doctor who will answer any questions you may have.
The nurse will evaluate the condition of your forearm veins and will collect blood for tests. If the test results are good, you will be included in the donor registry. You will be informed by phone about your inclusion or about any unsuitable results.
How are the platelets and plasma collected and how long does their collection take?
Platelets and plasma are collected using a special machine called a separator. The method is called apheresis.
Individual blood components are separated by centrifugation in the separator; a part of these components is used to make the transfusion product. The rest is returned to the donor.
Separation is thus more time demanding than classic blood donation and lasts about 1-2 hours.
How often is it possible to donate the platelets and plasma?
The platelets and plasma can be donated every month, exceptionally more often as needed and based on consideration of the doctor. Both platelets and plasma are replenished very quickly in healthy persons.
Is it possible to donate full blood at the same time?
Platelet and plasma donors may also be donors of full blood. The minimum interval between full blood collection and platelet or plasma collection is 1 month; the interval between platelet collection and blood (plasma) collection is 48 hours. The treating doctor should always be informed about the last collection.
How should donors be prepared before the platelet and plasma collection?
The stock of thrombocyte concentrates cannot be prepared much in advance because the platelets can only be used for several days.
Thus you will usually be invited for a targeted collection by phone. Before the collection you should eat and drink enough; fatty meals and alcoholic drinks are not suitable. Considering that the condition of the given patient is usually serious, we are grateful if you come as soon as possible when called.