Here's a question we receive often at Our Blood Institute: Are women able to donate platelets? Maybe you've even heard that one yourself.
If so, you're not alone — there's quite a bit of confusion and outdated information on the topic! The truth is that lots of women can donate platelets without any issue whatsoever.
Things do get complicated, however, for women who've been pregnant. But why?
Pregnancy, HLA Antibodies & TRALI
When a woman becomes pregnant, her immune system may be exposed to the baby's unique DNA — specifically, foreign markers inherited from the father known as Human Leukocyte Antigens, or HLAs. As a result, her body may develop HLA antibodies as an immune response.
These HLA antibodies don't pose a health risk to the woman whose immune system created them. If transfused to another person, though, their recipient could develop a rare but serious condition called Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury, or TRALI.
What Is TRALI?
TRALI is a leading cause of transfusion-related death, according to the FDA. The pulmonary syndrome can cause acute respiratory distress, fever, hypotension and rapid heart rate.
HLA Testing at OBI
To reduce the risk of TRALI, Our Blood Institute phlebotomists ask every donor about their pregnancy history prior to their donation. If a donor answers affirmatively, we will collect the donation and test it to determine whether the donor is HLA positive or negative.
Any donated platelets found to be HLA positive will not be used, while women determined to be HLA negative will be able to safety donate platelets and other blood products.
