Why aren't you donating blood?

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mzungu wrote: »

At present, if they are sexually active then no they can't. Unless they abstain for a year or more. In the UK it is three months abstention.

And I have a lifetime ban for eating a hamburger 30 years ago!

super_furry

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

I responded to another poster very early in the thread. It is pointless accepting a donation from someone who's blood can't be used. All blood is screened and this comes at a cost. It is better to screen out as much as possible before a needle is used.

But the only thing barring me is the fact that I had a blood transfusion in an Irish hospital five years ago. If that's enough to bar me for life, does that mean that they're not confident in the blood I was given?

Not trying to be a smart-arse here, genuinely at a loss as too their reasoning.

Mam of 4

super_furry wrote: »

But the only thing barring me is the fact that I had a blood transfusion in an Irish hospital five years ago. If that's enough to bar me for life, does that mean that they're not confident in the blood I was given?

Not trying to be a smart-arse here, genuinely at a loss as too their reasoning.

I've asked that question too , why can't we donate ?
I don't understand the reasoning behind it tbh .

mzungu

Mam of 4 wrote: »

I might be showing myself up here by being completely stupid , but can someone explain to me why you can't donate if you've previously had a transfusion ?

They really do not advertise this (I have no idea why) but AFAIK it relates to the risk of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and the possibility that other unknown viruses may be in there.

They can't screen for CJD so they have to be certain. Hence why we do not take blood from Northern ireland or mainland UK. The policy was first introduced by the IBTS in 2004 following the first confirmed case of CJD transmission via blood transfusion in the UK.

The policy is under constant review so hopefully at some stage in the future you will be able to give blood again.

Plumbthedepths

super_furry wrote:

Not trying to be a smart-arse here, genuinely at a loss as too their reasoning.

You could always ask the BTS. They have criteria they follow, some is obvious others not so much. Btw my answer was not intended to be smart either.

Capt'n Midnight

Mam of 4 wrote: »

I might be showing myself up here by being completely stupid , but can someone explain to me why you can't donate if you've previously had a transfusion ?

Stops re-transmission of anything in the blood. Any cycle is stopped before it starts.

The only reason for Mad Cow Disease being so widespread was they kept recycling animals into animal feed.

And then they killed all the moo cows :eek:

And then there was foot and mouth.

And then they killed all the moo cows :eek:

Mam of 4

Capt'n Midnight wrote: »

Stops re-transmission of anything in the blood. Any cycle is stopped before it starts.

The only reason for Mad Cow Disease being so widespread was they kept recycling animals into animal feed.

And then they killed all the moo cows :eek:

And then there was foot and mouth.

And then they killed all the moo cows :eek:

Ah , am a bit of a mad cow anyway

Thanks to you and mzungu for explaining , still saddened that my blood is no use to anyone bar me

Stovepipe

A friend of ours worked there (BTS) and during the various scandals, one of the very senior people, chiefly responsible, tried to shift the blame onto her, despite her a relatively junior member of staff. I wouldn't trust them to deliver newspapers.

Martina1991

super_furry wrote:

But the only thing barring me is the fact that I had a blood transfusion in an Irish hospital five years ago. If that's enough to bar me for life, does that mean that they're not confident in the blood I was given?

Mam of 4 wrote:

I've asked that question too , why can't we donate ? I don't understand the reasoning behind it tbh .

Most people know of blood types as being A, B, AB or O, rhesus positive or negative, but there are many other antigens that can also be present.

If you have had a transfusion, you have been stimulated with many different blood cell membrane antigens. Some antigens are not highly antigenic so you will probably not develop antibodies. But if you DO develop antibodies after receiving a transfusion, those antibodies can cause a haemolytic transfusion reaction in the recipient.

If you have an antibody it is harder to find compatible blood if you need it.
That’s why blood from someone that never had a previous transfusion is preferred.

0lddog

Stovepipe wrote: »

....... I wouldn't trust them to deliver newspapers.

I came to the same view following an encounter with BTS management some years ago.

I hope management have mended their ways in recent years.

Martina1991

super_furry wrote:

But the only thing barring me is the fact that I had a blood transfusion in an Irish hospital five years ago. If that's enough to bar me for life, does that mean that they're not confident in the blood I was given?

Every unit a person is transfused with is cross matched against the recipient.

A sample of the donor and recipients blood is mixed together to determine if there's a reaction.

There must be 100% confidence that a blood product will not cause a reaction to the patient.

noveltea

I use to give platelets the whole time when I lived in Ireland. I moved to Canada and they dont accept Irish blood for the Cjd reasons, similar as to why Irish wont accept English blood.

RacoonQueen

mzungu wrote: »

They really do not advertise this (I have no idea why) but AFAIK it relates to the risk of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and the possibility that other unknown viruses may be in there.

They can't screen for CJD so they have to be certain. Hence why we do not take blood from Northern ireland or mainland UK. The policy was first introduced by the IBTS in 2004 following the first confirmed case of CJD transmission via blood transfusion in the UK.

The policy is under constant review so hopefully at some stage in the future you will be able to give blood again.

Ah this is likely correct, I was looking at their site last night to see if I could find a reason why and you can donate if you received a blood transfusion prior to 1980.

RacoonQueen

https://www.giveblood.ie/Can-I-Give-Blood/Keeping-Blood-Safe/

https://www.giveblood.ie/Can-I-Give-Blood/Keeping-Blood-Safe/

So a man can't give blood if he has had oral sex with another man. But a woman can give blood if she has had oral sex with a man? Am I interpreting that incorrectly?

Trump Is Right

RacoonQueen wrote: »

https://www.giveblood.ie/Can-I-Give-Blood/Keeping-Blood-Safe/



So a man can't give blood if he has had oral sex with another man. But a woman can give blood if she has had oral sex with a man? Am I interpreting that incorrectly?

I think homosexuals are a much bigger risk factor for blood viruses, than hetero? That could be the reason. Just a guess!

Ten of Swords

Male homosexuals are was a big risk factor according to IBTS logic. There has never been a restriction on women who have sex with women

Space Dog

I used to donate regularly in my late teens/early twenties, but had two experiences that put me off it for life: My blood pressure once went so low that I couldn't leave the place for an hour and the doctors on site started to get worried. The last time I went they probably hit a nerve and I had nerve damage that took several months to improve. I know that this is very very rare and I've been quite unlucky. These days I couldn't donate anyway.

baldshin

Just a mini rant to resurrect the thread- I would guess that the reason some people don't donate is because of the wait times in non Dublin clinics. I'm currently sat in a clinic, knowing I'll be here at least 2 hours because of the queue. So far I've seen 5 people come in, look at the queue, and leave. It's hard to blame them. It's one thing to ask people to donate some blood, it's another to ask them to donate some blood plus 2-3 hours of their midweek evening. Should be a quick and easy process, maybe even using appointment time slots.

Fr_Dougal

baldshin wrote: »

Just a mini rant to resurrect the thread- I would guess that the reason some people don't donate is because of the wait times in non Dublin clinics. I'm currently sat in a clinic, knowing I'll be here at least 2 hours because of the queue. So far I've seen 5 people come in, look at the queue, and leave. It's hard to blame them. It's one thing to ask people to donate some blood, it's another to ask them to donate some blood plus 2-3 hours of their midweek evening. Should be a quick and easy process, maybe even using appointment time slots.

You can donate platelets by appointment.

baldshin

Fr_Dougal wrote: »

You can donate platelets by appointment.

That's just in Dublin or Cork though, or is it?

Plumbthedepths

Fr_Dougal wrote:

You can donate platelets by appointment.

I live in the Midlands to donate platelets I would have to travel quite a distance and tbh the cost of doing so would turn me off donating.

Ger Roe

I donated regularly for about 30 years and was on the list for regular text message reminders when I was allowed to go again. Sometimes I couldn't due to illness, or having visited somewhere, but I did it whenever I could..... until I developed a medical condition that now prohibits me from donating.

That's what happens and people are written off the active list for lots and lots of reasons. That's why it's vital that those who can, do. You never know the day or the reason that you will be stopped, but you have to trust that they are not making it more difficult to frustrate donors, it's simply to protect patients.

In all those years I always thought the time lost and whatever other complications arose (a bit of discomfort or a bruise), were a very small price to pay for literally saving lives by lying down and sqeezing a plastic bone.

I have several family members who are still here only because of donations received and I would continue to donate, if I could.

goldenhoarde

Really appreciate these texts knowing my donation is being used (it was issued 6 days after I donated)

Now must set a reminder for the 6th June for my next donation

"Thanks for donating on 08-Mar. Your donation has just been issued to St James's. Why not share how good it feels to save lives IBTS"

Qrt

I would but I’m still gay.

two wheels good

I was very disappointed to be turned away because I'd been resident in UK for many years. I don't recall the exact details of the perceived risk. (Could someone remind me pls?)

Plumbthedepths

two wheels good wrote:

I was very disappointed to be turned away because I'd been resident in UK for many years. I don't recall the exact details of the perceived risk. (Could someone remind me pls?)

CJD. Mad cow disease.

waxmelts2000

I used to donate I'm 0 rhesus negative and often got calls to donate. However for last 15 years I'm getting b12 shots so I was told I could no longer donate.

Lia_lia

I can’t as I lived in the UK during the 80’s/90’s. Also pregnant and anaemic at the moment so definitely rules me out!

Wonder will the UK ban ever be lifted. I’d do it then.

two wheels good

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

CJD. Mad cow disease.

Of course. I always thought CJD was related to spinal chord and brain tissue. Probably no screening test for CJD.

TomasMacR

I’ve never donated blood, I never will either.

looksee

I have not been able to donate for many years, but I was grateful to whoever donated the three pouches of blood I got in Waterford just before Christmas.

Gwynplaine

TomasMacR wrote: »

I’ve never donated blood, I never will either.

Why?

I'm up to 38 donations now. It'll take another few years to get to 50.

TomasMacR

Gwynplaine wrote: »

Why?

I'm up to 38 donations now. It'll take another few years to get to 50.

I should’ve explained after re reading the thread title...too busy, pushed to the brink in terms of spare time and pay massive amounts for family health insurance. I do my best to help out in other walks of life.

Ger Roe

TomasMacR wrote: »

I should’ve explained after re reading the thread title...too busy, pushed to the brink in terms of spare time and pay massive amounts for family health insurance. I do my best to help out in other walks of life.

Too busy is always relative, I used to be 'too busy' and it nearly killed me, resulting in me not being able to donate anymore. I now go to considerable effort not to be 'too busy' - life lesson learnt.

Out of genuine interest, what does the reference to paying health insurance mean?. I don't get how that relates to donating or not donating.

Wildly Boaring

I donate platelets and can't at the minute as my pulse a bit low.

ECG done and waiting to hear back.

For those earlier worried about the queue and long waits. Book in for platelets. Can go every month but they're happy to have you every 2 or 3 months.

Appreciate it's only Dublin or cork. But 3 or 4 spins to Dublin a year isn't that hard for some (not all) people.

Can work in with seeing people or IKEA or whatever

is_that_so

Excluded from it, like many others, due to a period of living in the UK. Still not mad!:p

Sunrise_Sunset

I received a blood transfusion after a difficult childbirth almost killed me.
I looked into donating myself after this, as I was so thankful, but having that transfusion rules me out.

sonic85

I made a balls of one donation - I forgot to declare a panadol or something I took earlier in the day for a headache. I remembered just before I got on the table but they weren't impressed. Haven't donated since that day and doubt I will again

TomasMacR

Ger Roe wrote: »

Too busy is always relative, I used to be 'too busy' and it nearly killed me, resulting in me not being able to donate anymore. I now go to considerable effort not to be 'too busy' - life lesson learnt.

Out of genuine interest, what does the reference to paying health insurance mean?. I don't get how that relates to donating or not donating.

I'd be too busy in the sense of if I do have some free time, which I do of course I don't really want to give blood during it. Also, there was a neighbour of ours some time ago who used tell us as often as possible that he was a blood donor, stickers all over his car and the rest...a right pain in the hole to listen to. He used brag about how it would knock the bollocks out of him energy wise but 'it was worth it, for that warm fuzzy feeling' he would get knowing he was helping someone. Cut some aul wans grass if thats the case or something that won't leave you in bits for the rest of the day.

ogsjw

I used to but I've lived in Asia, which makes me a bad boy in their books.

OldMrBrennan83

I farted once so am now stricken off their list.

brightspark

TomasMacR wrote: »

I'd be too busy in the sense of if I do have some free time, which I do of course I don't really want to give blood during it. Also, there was a neighbour of ours some time ago who used tell us as often as possible that he was a blood donor, stickers all over his car and the rest...a right pain in the hole to listen to. He used brag about how it would knock the bollocks out of him energy wise but 'it was worth it, for that warm fuzzy feeling' he would get knowing he was helping someone. Cut some aul wans grass if thats the case or something that won't leave you in bits for the rest of the day.

Because cutting grass is more important than saving a life :rolleyes:

Just admit it's not the time, you are too scared to go.

AndrewJRenko

sonic85 wrote: »

I made a balls of one donation - I forgot to declare a panadol or something I took earlier in the day for a headache. I remembered just before I got on the table but they weren't impressed. Haven't donated since that day and doubt I will again

Ah jaysus, would you get over yourself and get down there next week.

CinammonGirl

I would love to (and I did in the past) but then lived in the UK for a few years so can't now. I saw how important it was when my dad was ill, he needed a lot of blood transfusions. He had been a great donor before he got ill

riemann

People who don't donate (who could) are either selfish or lazy.

There should be a system where, when in hospital, persons who are regular donors recieve priority treatment, especially when blood supplies are low.

I know this will never happen because life is not fair, which is a shame.

Martina1991

TomasMacR wrote:

I'd be too busy in the sense of if I do have some free time, which I do of course I don't really want to give blood during it....

...Cut some aul wans grass if thats the case or something that won't leave you in bits for the rest of the day.

A couple of hours out of your time could literally save someones life. If no one gave blood there would be countless fatalities to children, women giving birth, patients having any open surgery and those with cancer.

Cutting someones grass pales significantly in comparison to the great act of blood donation.

riemann

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Ah jaysus, would you get over yourself and get down there next week.

I don't think they should. Next time might forget about riding a leper in the far East.

beertons

Rang up the national blood center last week, as they had me black listed last year, for open wounds on my knees where I have psoriasis. Got the all clear, and rocked in to my local clinic last Tuesday. Got a good selection of pens on the way out.

Gavin "shels"

TomasMacR wrote: »

I should’ve explained after re reading the thread title...too busy, pushed to the brink in terms of spare time and pay massive amounts for family health insurance. I do my best to help out in other walks of life.

Have you asked your job if you can do a blood run in the company and do it at lunch? Only takes 60 mins max..

ogsjw

riemann wrote: »

People who don't donate (who could) are either selfish or lazy.

There should be a system where, when in hospital, persons who are regular donors recieve priority treatment, especially when blood supplies are low.

I know this will never happen because life is not fair, which is a shame.

Yeeeeeeeikes.

I think organ donation should be opt out but this is an extreme. Denying/deliberately delaying treatment should not be what we do in this country...