Granulocytes are a special type of white blood cell that help fight infections. Unlike platelets or whole blood, granulocyte donations are collected for a specific patient at the request of a local hospital. Patients who receive granulocyte transfusions might be receiving chemotherapy treatment; most of them are pediatric patients. Select blood donors may be eligible to donate this highly needed product.
Platelet donors are ideal candidates to give granulocytes. Here’s why:
How is donating granulocytes different from platelets?
Granulocyte donation is a dual arm procedure—it requires a needle to be placed in one arm, and a flexible catheter in the other. This type of catheter allows some freedom of movement, so donors can read a book or tablet when donating.
Granulocyte donors must also take a low-dose, one-time steroid before donating. The steroid, dexamethasone, temporarily boosts a donor’s white blood cell count so that the collection procedure is successful.
About dexamethasone
Dexamethasone must be taken 17 hours before granulocyte donation. Memorial Blood Centers will send the prescription for the steroid directly to the donor’s pharmacy and will reimburse donors in cash when they arrive to perform their granulocyte donation. Side effects of dexamethasone are unlikely but can occur. Possible side effects include dizziness, nausea, indigestion, increased appetite, weight gain, weakness, sleep disturbances, or rapid heart rate.
Donors with the following conditions should not take dexamethasone, and therefore are ineligible to donate granulocytes:
With a shelf-life of just 24 hours, the donation is en route to a patient less than 3 hours after donation. After a granulocyte donation, donors can return to platelet donation after a 2-week deferral.
For more information about donating granulocytes, or to find out if you’re eligible to give, contact the Cellular Therapy Department at 651.332.7151.
