Question 1

Why are platelets often in short supply in Darjeeling?

Accepted Answer

Platelets have only a 5-day shelf life — the shortest of any blood product. Demand spikes during dengue season (typically July–November in north India) and around cancer treatment schedules. Most blood banks rely on directed donation from family or apheresis donors.

Question 2

What's the difference between SDP and RDP platelets?

Accepted Answer

Random Donor Platelets (RDP) are pooled from 4–6 whole-blood donations. Single Donor Platelets (SDP) come from one apheresis donor and contain 6–8× the platelet count in a single unit, with lower infection risk. For dengue and cancer patients, doctors often prescribe SDP.

Question 3

Can I donate platelets in Darjeeling?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your platelet count is at least 1.5 lakh/µL and you weigh 50+ kg, you can give SDP by apheresis at an equipped blood centre. The process takes 90 minutes and you can donate every 14 days (maximum 24 times a year).

Question 4

What is the cost of one SDP unit?

Accepted Answer

Government blood banks charge approximately ₹8,500 per SDP unit (regulated rate). Private centres charge more. Many Darjeeling centres waive the fee if you bring a replacement donor.

Question 5

How many blood banks are there in Darjeeling?

Accepted Answer

Darjeeling has 7 registered blood banks, blood centres, and blood storage centres as per the eRaktKosh portal of Government of India. The list includes both government and private facilities.

Question 6

Is blood available 24/7 in Darjeeling?

Accepted Answer

Most government blood banks in Darjeeling operate round-the-clock for emergencies. Private centres may have different hours. Always call ahead to confirm availability and operating hours.

Question 7

How do I check live blood availability in Darjeeling?

Accepted Answer

Use the live availability table on this page. Pick a blood group and a component (whole blood, PRBC, platelets, or plasma). The grid shows units currently reported by each blood bank in Darjeeling.

Platelets Availability in Darjeeling, West Bengal

Live Blood Availability in Darjeeling

About Platelets

Who needs platelets?

Blood Banks in Darjeeling, West Bengal

Terai Lions Charitable Trust Blod Centre, Siliguri

Neotia Getwel Blood Centre

Silliguri District Hospital Blood Bank

Darjeeling District Hospital Blood Bank

Paul P Harris Siliguri Rotary Blood Centre

S.d. Hospital, Kurseong

North Bengal Medical College Hospital Blood Bank

Platelets in Darjeeling — FAQs

Why are platelets often in short supply in Darjeeling?

What's the difference between SDP and RDP platelets?

Can I donate platelets in Darjeeling?

What is the cost of one SDP unit?

How many blood banks are there in Darjeeling?

Is blood available 24/7 in Darjeeling?

How do I check live blood availability in Darjeeling?

Related Guides & Resources

Whole Blood in Darjeeling

PRBC in Darjeeling

Plasma in Darjeeling

More districts in West Bengal

Join India’s Most Reliable Blood Donation Network.

Join the Waitlist

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