Shanghai collects over 100,000 units of platelets in 2024, honors donors

Shanghai collected 101,900 units of platelets in 2024, surpassing 100,000 units for the first year with an increase of 9.4 percent year-on-year, the Shanghai Blood Center said on Saturday.

Some residents have become regular donors, significantly supporting clinical blood transfusions. More than 2,800 residents have each donated over 50 units of platelets, it said.

To honor these dedicated donors, the center held an event, recognizing over 100 distinguished donors who have contributed over 200 units of platelets, alongside companies and organizations that mobilized employees to participate in platelet donations.

Experts emphasized the critical role of platelet donations in treating leukemia and malignant tumors. Platelets have an average lifespan of seven to 10 days in the human body and can return to normal levels within 48 to 72 hours after blood donation. Therefore, an individual can donate platelets every 14 days.

With a short shelf life of only five days, platelets are essential for daily blood transfusions, with statistics indicating that Shanghai requires 300 units per day for clinical patients. The Shanghai Blood Center urged residents to actively participate in platelet donations to support and save lives.