For Our Donors
Platelets
Transfusion medicine has made remarkable progress in the treatment of critically ill patients, thanks to the selfless contributions of voluntary blood donors. While conventional blood donation primarily focuses on collecting red blood cells and plasma, transfusion medicine also faces challenges in cases requiring specific blood components, such as platelet concentrates.
Who can donate platelets? Anyone who is healthy and meets the general donation criteria may be eligible.
The ideal donor weighs at least 55 kg, has 1–2 strong veins, has a platelet count over 240,000 and has not taken aspirin or other painkillers in the 7 days prior to donation, as these may impair platelet function.
Apheresis Unit Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
+43 316 385-80372
We Are Here for You
Apheresis Registration:
+43 316 385-83566
blutspende@uniklinikum.kages.at
Plasma
Plasma is the liquid component of blood and contains clotting factors, proteins (such as albumin and antibodies), and electrolytes. At our clinic, all donated plasma is pathogen-inactivated and deep-frozen. Plasma products are used in the treatment of severe bleeding, complex coagulation disorders, Plasma exchange therapy (e.g., in autoimmune diseases).
We are looking for reliable plasma donors of all blood types who are willing to donate several times per year. With your voluntary plasma donation — possible up to 26 times per year — you provide vital help to our patients.
Apheresis Unit Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
+43 316 385-80372
Stem Cells/Bone Marrow
There are two types of donation: Bone marrow donation and peripheral blood stem cell donation.
These donations are often the only chance of survival for patients with leukemia or other serious blood disorders.
Blood-forming stem cells, which reside in the bone marrow, can replace diseased blood cells and give patients a lifesaving opportunity.
We Are Here for You
Stem Cell Donation:
+43 316 385-30750
stammzellenspende.graz@uniklinikum.kages.at
Granulocytes
In a healthy bone marrow, large numbers of granulocytes (a type of white blood cell) are produced. These cells play a crucial role in the immune system by engulfing and destroying pathogens and by contributing to tissue repair and regeneration. However, granulocytes have a very short lifespan, and their rapid turnover makes granulopoiesis highly sensitive to external influences such as toxins, medications, chemotherapy, or radiation. In cases of toxic damage or bone marrow failure, it may be medically necessary to substitute a granulocyte deficiency through granulocyte transfusion to support the patient's immune response.
Blood
In Styria and throughout Austria, conventional whole blood donations (450 ml) are primarily managed by our cooperation partner, the Blood Donation Service of the Austrian Red Cross. At its GMP-compliant manufacturing facility, the Unit for Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine (UBT) processes these donations into blood components such as: red blood cell concentrates, platelet concentrates, fresh frozen plasma. The UBT is also responsible for the storage and distribution of these products in the region of Styria. In addition, UBT oversees the collection and processing of specialized donations, including: Granulocyte and lymphocyte donations, platelet apheresis donations, stem cell and bone marrow donations.