For those who perform drives to collect platelets by apheresis: what are the logistics, are these pre-screened donors?

Thanks.

I talked to NJBS (a subsidiary of New York Blood Center) and they said they almost never bring apheresis (platelet) machines on the road, especially on bloodmobile buses. They said the bouncing and shocks cause problems with the equipment and the centrifuge. However, I was informed that a few buses in the Manhattan area do have Alyx double-red cell machines.

The Blood Center of New Jersey (a separate blood donor company) says they require a whole blood donation before apheresis can be performed. BCNJ is attempting to get an apheresis station on their newer bloodmobiles.

I wish these apheresis problems could be addressed because there isn't a platelet donation center within 50 miles of my location and I am B+ with a high platelet count. They've said they want my platelets more than my whole blood but that can't happen with a hundred mile round trip drive.

That is interesting to know, thanks.