Anyone here know about blood donations???

[ping1970]

Can I give blood? I have always heard that since I had jandice when I was young that I couldn't but I don't know if that is correct, do you? My niece's Grandfather-in-law is in critical need of blood and they are in a shortage here. I thought I would go be tested and my sister keeps on telling me between my kidneys and jandice that there is no way that they are going to let me give blood. What do you think?

 

[nkb]

from American Red Cross site:

Hepatitis, Jaundice
If you had hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) caused by a virus, or unexplained jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin), since age 11, you are not eligible to donate blood. This includes those who had hepatitis with Cytomegalovirus (CMV), or Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), the virus that causes Mononucleosis.

Acceptable if you had jaundice or hepatitis caused by something other than a viral infection, for example: medications, Gilbert's disease, bile duct obstruction, alcohol, gallstones or trauma to the liver. If you ever tested positive for hepatitis B or hepatitis C , at any age, you are not eligible to donate, even if you were never sick or jaundiced from the infection.

If in doubt, just call or visit your nearest blood center. They'll answer all your questions.

 

[ping1970]

This includes those who had hepatitis with Cytomegalovirus (CMV), or Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), the virus that causes Mononucleosis.

So does that mean that if I had mono I can't donate? I am still confused...to me those were clear as mud!

Thanks for looking that up for me though ~ at least it is a starting point.

 

[gosweepwin]

Here is the list from the Red Cross:

http://www.redcross.org/services/biomed/0,1082,0_557_,00.html

When you go to donate, you need to fill out a sheet with a number of questions. A nurse then goes down the list of questions with you, one by one. This is your chance to ask questions and explain why you answered the way you did. They also check your blood pressure and verify that you appear to be in good health. The Red Cross does its best to make sure that they only take blood from viable candidates. Try going through the process and see what they tell you.

Years ago, I used to donate all the time and always showed up thinking I was healthy. However, one time I got rejected because my bp was too low. Another time, I failed the blood test. Too little iron. It's great that you want to help someone in need and I hope it all works out for you. Be honest with your responses and trust the Red Cross folks to ask the right questions. They're good at what they do.

 

[tharedhead]

A lot of people who think they cannot donate blood (or be organ donors) actually can. I went stomping off a site in a huff once because I was always arguing with some twit (who has hopefully not taken up sweeping as a hobby :laughing who insisted that people with Sjogren's could not be organ donors. :cussing: And of course we can. :error:
The nice people at the red cross will get you all sorted out. :sunny:

 

[ping1970]

I've got to go be typed and answer some questions I guess ~ no one seems to want to answer my questions over the phone this morning. It is amazing that someone is in such bad need of blood and I am having to argue about whether I am really me and can discuss this over the phone :laughing: I know that there is all this confidentiality stuff now, but come on people, just give me a couple of answers please...geez!!! Makes being nice, hard

 

[tharedhead]

Ping, its that :cussing: HIPA privacy act. Makes everything impossible. I hate, hate, hate, hate HIPA....

 

[uksarge]

Tammy,

I feel your pain. Here's what I know:

- The rules change.
- Go to the blood center or bloodmobile and deal face to face. If DQ'ed, they will have your contact info to get a hold of you directly if/when the rules change.
- You will get answers when you deal directly with people.

I don't regret my 24 years of military service, but I can't donate simply because of some of the countries I have lived in and entered.

God Bless,
Chuck

 

[ping1970]

Thanks Chuck! I appricate you taking the time to answer! I am still trying to find out the answer for me ~ the guy that was needing my blood ended up getting a donation from his grandson and is doing much better now! I am still planning on trying to give if at all possible because I feel like it is the right thing to do!!