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BLOOD DONOR

Posted , 6 users are following.

mark357
mark357

Some years back I used to donate blood and got to my 75th donation and had to stop because of health problems.

I am aware that after any surgery you have to wait one year before you can donate and you have to wait at least two weeks if you have been on antibiotics.

I also know that diabetic's can donate, but can anyone tell me about any other reasons as to why you should not donate? As I am interested in starting to donate again.

0 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

  • alex1970
    alex1970 mark357

    Posted

    To donate blood, you must be healthy, at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds.

    There are two categories who can’t give blood. Firstly, if evidence suggests donating blood could potentially harm you. Secondly, if evidence suggests that your donation could potentially harm the patient receiving it. You can’t donate blood if you have chesty cough, sore throat or an active cold sore. If you are currently taking antibiotics or you have just finished a course within the last seven days or have had any infection in that last 2 weeks, then you are not considered fit to for blood donation. Same applies if you have had hepatitis or jaundice in the last 12 months. If you have anal or oral sex with another man then you are deferred from blood donation for 12 months. If you are suffering with a fever higher than 99 degrees that lasts more than 10 days, anyone who ever injected themselves with drugs, then you can’t donate your blood.

    • derek76
      derek76 alex1970

      Posted

      Problem is how many potential donors do not tell the truth.
    • mark357
      mark357 alex1970

      Posted

      Thx for your help with this matter, I have sent all the information to the Blood Transfusion Service and await their response.
    • mark357
      mark357 derek76

      Posted

      I have not told any lies in this matter and still wear my badges to show off my achievements.

      10 = bronze.

      25 = silver.

      50 = gold.

      75 = emerald.

      But don't know about 100, would you know this?

      I started to donate from the age of 17 till 45.

    • derek76
      derek76 mark357

      Posted

      I was not suggesting that you would tell lies. The problem in the past was in America where people were being paid to donate.
    • mark357
      mark357 derek76

      Posted

      In the U.K. people donate blood voluntarily and at no cost.
    • derek76
      derek76 mark357

      Posted

      We have imported blood and plasma from the US and other places
    • mark357
      mark357 derek76

      Posted

      This I didn't know. How long has this been going on for?
    • derek76
      derek76 mark357

      Posted

      It started a long time ago. Down and outs in America used to line up to sell blood as did people in other countries. Prisoners in American jails also used to sell thier blood. 

      It got to the stage that many Americans and a cousin of mine in Canada  used to have their blood taken and stored prior to having surgery in case they needed a transfusion.

      AID's, Hepatitis C and CJD started to ring alarm bells here. If you google human blood and plasma imports something should come up.

      Best though to as the Blood Transfusion Service for up to date data.

    • derek76
      derek76 mark357

      Posted

      PS The UK also sell surplus blood and plasma if it has more than is required.
    • mark357
      mark357 derek76

      Posted

      I can tell you that, wherever blood products come from they do stringent testing, even from those in the U.K.
    • derek76
      derek76 mark357

      Posted

      Can they detect every thing?

      I only once had a blood transfusion when I was about two. It came from my mother.

      I repaid her later by passing on diphtheria:-)

  • mark357
    mark357

    Posted

    Just to say a big thank you to all that has replied to the blood donors chat.

    I can now say that after contacting the blood transfusion service with all of my medical history, I have been informed that I am able to donate blood, as they are able to screen my blood and clean it up in relation to the medication that I am on. As long as I am in good health.

    • derek76
      derek76 mark357

      Posted

      Well done. I hope you get your hundred up.
    • mark357
      mark357 derek76

      Posted

      The only problem is that as I have not donated for a while I have to start over again.

      With that in mind I don't think that I will reach the 100 as you have to stop when you get to 60 years old. If I am lucky I will get to 50.

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