Donating blood!

[Richt]

Re: Donating blood!

I have given before, Samantha. I do know the procedures quite well, but thanks very much for taking some time out to look it up for me.

Very kind of you.

[dotsamantha]

Re: Donating blood!

My bad, I hope I didn't sound condescending or anything.

[Richt]

Re: Donating blood!

My bad, I hope I didn't sound condescending or anything.

Not at all condescending, just very helpful.

Which is a good thing

[dotsamantha]

Re: Donating blood!

Now you're just stroking my ego, lol. I can be one of those overly helpful people sometimes.

[Richt]

Re: Donating blood!

Is there something wrong with stroking egos?

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: Donating blood!

I wonder how many donors LIE about whether or not they've had unprotected sex?!
Or how many people with very small and discreet tatoos or private piercings that aren't visible would donate anyways?

There's just something about all the possible diseases that can be transmitted by blood that has kept me from giving my own. I've thought about it quite a few times since I was told blood banks would love me.

I'm sure ALOT! Especially at the places where they pay you for your blood/plasma! That plus think of all the people that may be carries of things like hepatitis and not even know they have it! Some people never show symptons!

[Richt]

Re: Donating blood!

We dont get paid for doing it here.

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: Donating blood!

We dont get paid for doing it here.

The majority of the blood collected is donated here as well Rich. But they do have places where you can sell your blood, I think its usually actually plasma! I went there once years ago with a friend--when we saw the kind of people that were there to sell their blood we skedaddled outta there! Pretty creepy!

[cmcole]

Re: Donating blood!

I used to give way back, and then for a number of years didn't get around to it. Recently, I've begun again (every 56 days is what you're allowed to, here).

Yes, they ask you lots of questions.
Yes, they try to give you cookies and juice. Last time I just took my own stuff with me, wisely. Previous to that, I just had a cup of tea or water, and snuck out.

Next time I'm eligible (end of May) I'm going to start giving Plasma - you can do it once without the medical; after that, you have to schedule yourself for one of their medicals, and then you could give weekly, if you wished.

Tattoos - I've always answered 'no' truthfully, so I don't know if there are further questions afterwards if you've answered 'yes'.

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: Donating blood!

The websites say you can give plasma 2 times a week!

[Peytonn]

Re: Donating blood!

I do...

and here.. at least i'm pretty SURE you can do it with tatoos.. it just has to have been a while.. or something

[cmcole]

Re: Donating blood!

Here's the "official" Canadian Blood Services on Tattoos



Temporary Deferrals

Prospective blood and/or bone marrow donors may be unable to donate for reasons that could either compromise their own health or the safety of the blood supply or marrow product.

Common reasons why people may be temporarily deferred are listed below. This is not a comprehensive list owing to the many factors that can determine a donor’s eligibility. If you have any questions whatsoever, please contact one of our trained health professionals at 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236-6283).

*Temporary Deferral Criteria are subject to change.

1. Minor Illness
2. Drugs/Medications
3. Dental Work
4. Low Hemoglobin Counts
5. Tattoos/Body Piercing
6. Diabetes
7. Pregnancy
8. HIV High Risk Activities
9. Exposure to Disease/Geographical Deferrals
10. Recent Major Surgery
11. Recent Vaccinations

1. Minor illness

Donors are required to feel well at the time of donation. A cold, flu or allergies may prevent someone from donating.

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2. Drugs/Medications

Some medications, or the underlying cause for taking the medication may require a temporary deferral. If you are taking any drugs/medications and would like to give blood, please contact one of our trained health professionals at 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236-6283).

Oral or intranasal use of street drugs/narcotics will result in a temporary deferral.

Taking certain medications may also temporarily defer someone from donating bone marrow. Donors are required to postpone donation for six months following the last dose of some medications.

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3. Dental Work

For a cleaning or a filling, donors must wait until the day after treatment before donating blood. For an extraction, root canal or dental surgery, donors must wait 72 hours before donating blood - provided there is full recovery.

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4. Low Hemoglobin Counts

Canadian Blood Services temporarily defers blood donors whose hemoglobin copper sulfate test falls below the standard of 12.5 g/dL.

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http://www.bloodservices.ca/centreap...%20Deferral#05

5. Tattoos/Body Piercing
Donors must wait six months after having a tattoo or body piercing before donating blood or bone marroruling w. The reason for this temporary deferral is the increased risk of Hepatitis C and other infections associated with tattoos and piercing. Other similar procedures that may fall under this category include acupuncture and electrolysis.

Apparently, according to the calendar/calculator, you can donate plasma every six days.

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: Donating blood!

Its one year here now, I just checked. But I think this must have changed, because the last time I tried to give blood they said NO Tatoos, and they didn't ask me how long I'd had mine.

[dotsamantha]

Re: Donating blood!

Is there something wrong with stroking egos?

Not at all, lol. It's kind of nice sometimes.