Lifesavers boost city’s platelet count

Two years after the deluge, the city finally has a dedicated guild of blood platelet donors called the Lifesavers Club. Members, who received identification cards on Monday, will donate platelets whenever the need arises. 

Platelet is an essential component of blood. Variations in its count could prove fatal at times.

The demand for platelets is high during monsoons because of ailments. Cancer patients also require platelets. In 2005, the outbreak of diseases had pushed the demand to 800 units in a single day. “We had to fly in platelets from 11 locations within and outside the state,” said Sanjay Jadhav, assistant director of health services.

The Lifesavers Club is a joint initiative of the State Blood Transfusion Council, Think Foundation, an NGO, and Doctors for You, a group of doctors from KEM hospital. The club has already enrolled 100 members and is looking for more members, preferably those who have donated blood at least twice.

Platelets are collected through platelet apheresis machines. Presently, there are 12 machines in Mumbai and three in Thane. As platelets have a shelf life of only five days, it is pointless collecting it beforehand.