Blood Donation

[Pretty Boy]

A thread that's a bit out of left field but something that I've been speaking to others about recently.

I started giving blood as soon as I reached the minimum age. Both my parents had given and I used to go along with them so it was nothing that I found particularly intimidating. I stopped a few years back because I had got a tattoo and they wouldn't take me for a set period of time (think it's 6 months now, used to be longer). However I had a few letters asking me to go back and started again recently, I've given twice since and am booked in again for the next couple of weeks.

I was quite surprised to find that when I mentioned this no one in either my work or my friendship group donated blood. Obviously there are all kinds of reasons why people can't but out of a group of about 30 people I was the only one. For something so easy and so useful I found that quite surprising.

I was just curious if there are many on here who donate? And if not why not? (I obviously don't want to pressure people into revealing health conditions, their sexuality or anything else personal, I'm more curious as to whether it's something people have just never considered or if it's a phobia or whatever).

[overdrive]

I have poor veins and was told it wasn’t worth their time attempting to get it from me.

To put it in perspective, at a hospital appointment a couple of years ago it took 3 separate nurses over an hour to get anything out of me.

Although I’m an extreme case, I get the impression they don’t try very hard. My girlfriend went to give blood last week. They had on record that they had issues getting blood from her years ago. They took one look at her arm and sent her away within 5 minutes of her arriving. No attempt to actually take blood.

[Smartie]

Interesting one.

My partner has always done it (not sure if she has lately, or since she had our daughter) but I have never done it.

TBH every time my partner has mentioned it I've thought I need to get along and do it, I have no problem with the idea of it. Needles really don't bother me and I don't tend to suffer any sorts of ill effects.

I just never seem to get round to doing it.

Is it a parents thing? My parents never did it. My Dad tells great stories about some of his medical school pals travelling around Europe in the 70s selling blood (which I think you were allowed to do). Whilst my mum and dad never put me off and I think they would be in favour of me doing it, you often settle into habits of doing what your parents do and I didn't really have a habit to copy or continue.

[Keith_M]

I'm on regular medication which prevents me being a viable candidate for donating blood..

If anybody is thinking of donating but in the same boat, then it's best to check with your doctor first (some medication is OK, others not)

[DaveF]

I've always donated since I was old enough and did so at work when they would visit our office.

Those visits stopped for whatever reason so my options for donating rested on the blood mobile coming to the local school, which was fine except that they only had limited beds and the queue was so long you could wait for 2hrs to donate.

Getting to Laurieston Place isn't an option so I've not donated for a couple of years now which is far from ideal but it's just become more difficult to do so.

[KdyHby]

Regular donor, last one being 10 November so expect to give again mid February, that'll make 124 donations.

Took my kids along when they were young, the nurses pampered them, they loved it, so they're now regular donors.

A couple of years ago a nurse described it as being a good way of getting a free MOT every three months.

Unfortunately, we're not currently getting our cupper and Tunnocks Tea Cakes because of distancing. A carton of juice just ain't the same.

I received a lovely quaich, for my 100th donation, at a presentation at the City Chambers.

[BroxburnHibee]

Something I've always felt like doing but never got round to.

[CropleyWasGod]

I tried to give blood about 10 or 15 years ago. They refused, on the grounds of my responses to some of their questions about my personal history.

I complained, and took it further, as I thought that those questions, (and their reaction to my responses) were inappropriate, judgmental and inconsistent. It went all the way to the top, as I got a letter from Dr.Blood himself, apologising and promising that things would change.

I was invited to go back and they would gladly take some blood. So I went along, was treated well, completed the revised questionnaire, and then they asked me some supplementary questions.

Turns out that I had been to too many risky places, and they couldn't take my blood after all. :faf:

[Jack]

I gave as soon as I was old enough. It was time off work, a cup of tea and a biscuit. Whats not to like?

After an operation went wrong about 20 years ago I had to have blood pumped into me so with me now having mad cows disease I'm no longer allowed to donate.

Still got more than a few in the bank in case further withdrawals are required :-)

[Sharon]

I had to have a transfusion during major surgery a few years ago so prohibited from doing so.

[JeMeSouviens]

I've been an on and off donor over the years, about 20 times in total. I gave regularly in my 20s whenever they came to Leith as someone from work rounded us up to go. Then moved house and job and was never organised to realise when they were going to turn up locally, so I fell off their radar. I've restarted in the last couple of years because I've been based in an office close enough to Lauriston Place to nip out during the day. They are now appointment only, you can't just pitch up but it's available online at least:

https://donor.scotblood.co.uk/dwp/portal/login

[Killiehibbie]

I used to but never got round to it when I moved through here and was too busy.

I worked with a guy who stopped when they done away with Guinness after donating.

[weedgiehibbie]

Been donating for a good few years, had always planned when i was a bout 17 or 18 but never got round to it until a mate i was with at uni was heading down so i tagged along at last. Quite a good way and i try to get folk who can to go along.

Although my veins can be really tricky to find at times, i must cause the staff nightmares when they see me coming in again :greengrin

Worst parts for me are the cleansing swab as it tickles like hell and getting the plaster off later as im a big hairy jessie when it comes to that :faf:

Edit: Actually booked in for this Friday as well - deemed essential business/travel

[Chuck Rhoades]

On the subject of giving blood, I was due to give some tomorrow but tested positive for covid on 13 Jan. Called them today and you cannot give blood until 28 days after you had symptoms OR 28 days after your isolation period if you had no symptoms. Thought that may be of interest for anyone who’s tested positive and thinking about giving blood.

[Pretty Boy]

On the subject of giving blood, I was due to give some tomorrow but tested positive for covid on 13 Jan. Called them today and you cannot give blood until 28 days after you had symptoms OR 28 days after your isolation period if you had no symptoms. Thought that may be of interest for anyone who’s tested positive and thinking about giving blood.

Did they mention if they were still taking plasma donations from people who have previously tested positive for covid to be used for the convalescent plasma therapy?

Someone I know knows someone who had covid in March and has given a few times since for that purpose. Was still showing good antibody levels months later which is positive news for everyone.

[cabbageandribs1875]

after mentioning it at xmas just past that i wanted to start giving blood in my auld age, my Type1 daughter then explained to me that as a type1 we can't give blood unfortunately, even though i'm absolutely terrible trying to get blood out of at clinics/GP's etc i still wanted to do my bit :(




*it was nothing to do with me also wanting to know my blood type, honest, apparently even your own GP doesn't know your blood type if you've not given blood/needed a transfusion etc before

[Jack]

Did they mention if they were still taking plasma donations from people who have previously tested positive for covid to be used for the convalescent plasma therapy?

Someone I know knows someone who had covid in March and has given a few times since for that purpose. Was still showing good antibody levels months later which is positive news for everyone.

My daughter had covid over Christmas, the only person I know who's had it, has been asked to start giving blood for this.

There's two things they do with it apparently; 2 doses for people convalescing or 1 dose and the rest for research.

[Chuck Rhoades]

Did they mention if they were still taking plasma donations from people who have previously tested positive for covid to be used for the convalescent plasma therapy?

Someone I know knows someone who had covid in March and has given a few times since for that purpose. Was still showing good antibody levels months later which is positive news for everyone.

I wasn’t asked or made aware of that, simply that I’d need to cancel tomorrow and rebook. Wish I had thought of that before as they may have taken a donation on that basis - unless they’ve stopped it.

[Jay]

I've always donated since I was old enough and did so at work when they would visit our office.

Those visits stopped for whatever reason so my options for donating rested on the blood mobile coming to the local school, which was fine except that they only had limited beds and the queue was so long you could wait for 2hrs to donate.

Getting to Laurieston Place isn't an option so I've not donated for a couple of years now which is far from ideal but it's just become more difficult to do so.

My boys donate because they saw their grandad survive for a few years purely because of blood donations. It's a bit stop and start with tattoos but now its 6 months instead of 2 years I think so more doable but they stopped our mobile one totally and theres no point trying yours but they recently saw they can donate at Herriot Watt so do it there now and its appointments only now so no huge queue

[DaveF]

My boys donate because they saw their grandad survive for a few years purely because of blood donations. It's a bit stop and start with tattoos but now its 6 months instead of 2 years I think so more doable but they stopped our mobile one totally and theres no point trying yours but they recently saw they can donate at Herriot Watt so do it there now and its appointments only now so no huge queue

Good to know that, ta.

When I'm allowed out again, I'll go to HW.

[Jay]

Good to know that, ta.

When I'm allowed out again, I'll go to HW.

Dont know if your isolating or shielding but if your just stuck in with lockdown then blood donation is classed as essential travel. Dont know when its next at HW though. It's an online booking system

[Bristolhibby]

I gave as soon as I was old enough. It was time off work, a cup of tea and a biscuit. Whats not to like?

After an operation went wrong about 20 years ago I had to have blood pumped into me so with me now having mad cows disease I'm no longer allowed to donate.

Still got more than a few in the bank in case further withdrawals are required :-)

Me too. The blood wagon used to come round my office every 6 months or so. We were all encouraged to go along and was a legitimate reason to get out of the office.

Then austerity hit and they ditched the blood van. Consequently my donations went down hill. Booked in again during lockdown as I’ve been working from home since March. Turns out I was on anti biotics at the time and it completely slipped my mind. Told them and I couldn’t donate.

Will need to book in again soon but their website is *****.

J

[Santa Cruz]

I'm on regular medication which prevents me being a viable candidate for donating blood..

If anybody is thinking of donating but in the same boat, then it's best to check with your doctor first (some medication is OK, others not)

I'm in the same boat. I worked for the SG years ago and the blood donor unit used to come into the building annually. I went along and they asked what medication I was taking and advised I was not suitable to donate.

Out of interest, for those that do donate, do you get to know what blood type you are?

I asked my Consultant this question last week and was informed this info is not held on medical records. I asked what happens if you need an emergency transfusion and was told they take a blood sample to get the right match. I thought that sounded like time wasted when it would be simple enough to add a field to people's medical records to show their blood type.

[Bristolhibby]

I'm in the same boat. I worked for the SG years ago and the blood donor unit used to come into the building annually. I went along and they asked what medication I was taking and advised I was not suitable to donate.

Out of interest, for those that do donate, do you get to know what blood type you are?

I asked my Consultant this question last week and was informed this info is not held on medical records. I asked what happens if you need an emergency transfusion and was told they take a blood sample to get the right match. I thought that sounded like time wasted when it would be simple enough to add a field to people's medical records to show their blood type.

You do find out. I was given a wee key ring that has O+ on it that they gave me years ago.

Hospitals always test your blood and don’t rely on things like keyrings. The risk of say my wife using the car is too great.

I found out all my families blood type when the kids were born. My eldest is the same as me. My wife is A- and my youngest is A+.

J

[calumhibee1]

Think I’m on about 35 donations.

I’ll be honest and say I only ever got into it as it’s just round the corner from my work and I got to go in work time so it was a bit of a skive and I got to eat a few biscuits for free.

Since working from home I haven’t been and I keep getting letters about it. I really need to get back. It’s such a small sacrifice for me that can make such a difference for others.

[JeMeSouviens]

I'm in the same boat. I worked for the SG years ago and the blood donor unit used to come into the building annually. I went along and they asked what medication I was taking and advised I was not suitable to donate.

Out of interest, for those that do donate, do you get to know what blood type you are?

I asked my Consultant this question last week and was informed this info is not held on medical records. I asked what happens if you need an emergency transfusion and was told they take a blood sample to get the right match. I thought that sounded like time wasted when it would be simple enough to add a field to people's medical records to show their blood type.

Yes. I’m O- which means my blood can be given to anyone. They always put this in the reminders. Trying to make me feel special. :greengrin

[Future17]

I'm in the same boat. I worked for the SG years ago and the blood donor unit used to come into the building annually. I went along and they asked what medication I was taking and advised I was not suitable to donate.

Out of interest, for those that do donate, do you get to know what blood type you are?

I asked my Consultant this question last week and was informed this info is not held on medical records. I asked what happens if you need an emergency transfusion and was told they take a blood sample to get the right match. I thought that sounded like time wasted when it would be simple enough to add a field to people's medical records to show their blood type.

I could be wrong, but I think they used to do this but too many mistakes were being made. In an emergency, I think they just use the universal O-.

[Santa Cruz]

Cheers everyone for explaining.

[Hibrandenburg]

I'm not allowed to donate blood in Germany. Anyone who spent 6 months or more in the UK between 1980 and 1996 are deemed to be at risk of having the BSE pathogen in their blood.

[Keith_M]

I'm not allowed to donate blood in Germany. Anyone who spent 6 months or more in the UK between 1980 and 1996 are deemed to be at risk of having the BSE pathogen in their blood.


So you can't donate because you've got Mad Cow Disease?

My wife has the same problem.

[Sharon]

I could be wrong, but I think they used to do this but too many mistakes were being made. In an emergency, I think they just use the universal O-.

In an emergency a sample can be tested and provide a blood group in 15 minutes. If you can’t wait that long you will be given O- until your own group is determined.

[Just_Jimmy]

never done it because I'm absolutely petrified of needles. it's a ridiculous thing and reason and it's played havoc in other areas of my life such as the dentist etc.

I've tried to do it a few times because I believe in it fully, I'm just unable to actually walk through the door.

I think when this is all over it's something I'll make myself do even just once.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[Hibrandenburg]

So you can't donate because you've got Mad Cow Disease?

My wife has the same problem.

I always thought that German fears of BSE contamination in blood donated by Brits was hugely exaggerated, but then came Brexit and Boris Johnson as PM. I rest my case m'lud.

[Keith_M]

I always thought that German fears of BSE contamination in blood donated by Brits was hugely exaggerated, but then came Brexit and Boris Johnson as PM. I rest my case m'lud.


:greengrin

[Pretty Boy]

never done it because I'm absolutely petrified of needles. it's a ridiculous thing and reason and it's played havoc in other areas of my life such as the dentist etc.

I've tried to do it a few times because I believe in it fully, I'm just unable to actually walk through the door.

I think when this is all over it's something I'll make myself do even just once.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

I don't think it's that ridiculous. as far as phobias go I think needles are probably at the more rational end of the scale.

I won't go to get anything for our cat from Pets at home. Reason being they sell tarantulas. Those are at the very back of the store, the cat stuff is all at the front miles away from them but knowing they are in the same building makes my skin crawl and I hyperventilate. I don't like going to Dobbies because Butterfly World is next door and they have spiders as well. That's ridiculous.

Compared to myself I think not wanting a needle in your arm is perfectly sane and reasonable:greengrin

[Keith_M]

I don't think it's that ridiculous. as far as phobias go I think needles are probably at the more rational end of the scale.

I won't go to get anything for our cat from Pets at home. Reason being they sell tarantulas. Those are at the very back of the store, the cat stuff is all at the front miles away from them but knowing they are in the same building makes my skin crawl and I hyperventilate. I don't like going to Dobbies because Butterfly World is next door and they have spiders as well. That's ridiculous.

Compared to myself I think not wanting a needle in your arm is perfectly sane and reasonable:greengrin


:faf:

[bobbyhibs1983]

hi

My uncle used to give blood every few months,After he died, i thought it'll be a nice touch-good thing to do and sign up to give blood.
I had to fill in a questionaire and well i kinda got the inpression from the person that he thoguht i didn't understand what i was doing or what i was consenting to.Even though I had answered the questions honestly and did not go to another country or have anything wrong with me. I did give blood that day and not been back since.Just felt put off by the person whom *registered me * ( if thats the right way to put it?)

I can understand how vital this service is and well maybe look back into donating again,

[Just_Jimmy]

I don't think it's that ridiculous. as far as phobias go I think needles are probably at the more rational end of the scale.

I won't go to get anything for our cat from Pets at home. Reason being they sell tarantulas. Those are at the very back of the store, the cat stuff is all at the front miles away from them but knowing they are in the same building makes my skin crawl and I hyperventilate. I don't like going to Dobbies because Butterfly World is next door and they have spiders as well. That's ridiculous.

Compared to myself I think not wanting a needle in your arm is perfectly sane and reasonable:greengrinnow that you say that [emoji23]

it is a bit ridiculous when I consider everything else I've done in my life that others would quake at.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[Bristolhibby]

never done it because I'm absolutely petrified of needles. it's a ridiculous thing and reason and it's played havoc in other areas of my life such as the dentist etc.

I've tried to do it a few times because I believe in it fully, I'm just unable to actually walk through the door.

I think when this is all over it's something I'll make myself do even just once.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

I’m fine with them, just can’t watch them going into my arm.

No issue once there, just can’t look.

Once it’s in my arm it’s fine, I can gawp at it all I like.

J

[EH6 Hibby]

hi

My uncle used to give blood every few months,After he died, i thought it'll be a nice touch-good thing to do and sign up to give blood.
I had to fill in a questionaire and well i kinda got the inpression from the person that he thoguht i didn't understand what i was doing or what i was consenting to.Even though I had answered the questions honestly and did not go to another country or have anything wrong with me. I did give blood that day and not been back since.Just felt put off by the person whom *registered me * ( if thats the right way to put it?)

I can understand how vital this service is and well maybe look back into donating again,

Obviously I wasn’t there so can’t comment on the person who registered you, but just wondered if you maybe misunderstood their concerns. The staff really do go above and beyond to make sure you are healthy and well enough to give blood, from experience, this is about concern for you firstly rather than the quality of your blood. When I was younger, more than once, I was asked to step on the scales despite being a more than healthy weight, because the member of staff thought there was a chance I may underweight (zero chance of that now lol), they do really care about patients.

I had to stop donating because I had a blood disorder, and had to be given a platelet transfusion. I think they may have relaxed the rules around some transfusions and I may now be able to donate again, but I’m nearly always anaemic nowadays and iron tablets make me I’ll so I’m 95% sure I’m still unable to donate.

[Bridge hibs]

Ive donated blood around 15 times and then moved onto donating platelets instead, a longer procedure but was worth it when finding out how many people benefit, think 3 bags would support 6 cancer patients with low platelet count or 6 newborn babies. I started tissuing out and that caused a lot of pain and discomfort so I decided to call it a day. Im kind of stretched all over the place with my highways work but hopefully if things settle down again I can visit a local centre and start donating blood again, or at least start with blood

[Jay]

Ive donated blood around 15 times and then moved onto donating platelets instead, a longer procedure but was worth it when finding out how many people benefit, think 3 bags would support 6 cancer patients with low platelet count or 6 newborn babies. I started tissuing out and that caused a lot of pain and discomfort so I decided to call it a day. Im kind of stretched all over the place with my highways work but hopefully if things settle down again I can visit a local centre and start donating blood again, or at least start with blood

My son enquired about platelets but they dont take his blood type so he and one of his brothers registered with the Anthony Nolan trust for stem cells instead.

I also read recently that the rules are changing for gay men in the hope more would be able to donate. I hadnt realised that it was still such a huge issue until I read the article

[Bridge hibs]

My son enquired about platelets but they dont take his blood type so he and one of his brothers registered with the Anthony Nolan trust for stem cells instead.

I also read recently that the rules are changing for gay men in the hope more would be able to donate. I hadnt realised that it was AB negative still such a huge issue until I read the articleYes I think there was
certain criteria to be met, male to make unprotected intercourse, Hep B or C, visiting certain countries, low platelet count and to have certain blood groups such as A positive, A negative and AB negative, I remember no females (UK) were allowed to donate platelets but allowed to donate blood, platelets from those groups could go to anyone I think. Its been a while now so things could have been relaxed since I last donated

[Pretty Boy]

My son enquired about platelets but they dont take his blood type so he and one of his brothers registered with the Anthony Nolan trust for stem cells instead.

I also read recently that the rules are changing for gay men in the hope more would be able to donate. I hadnt realised that it was still such a huge issue until I read the article

I think the groups for platelets change from time to time so it's worth them asking every so often. My Dad used to give them, after a friend of his had leukemia, but his blood type doesn't qualify now. I registered with Anthony Nolan fairly recently as well, something I'd always meant to do but just never got round to.

I think in England and Wales gay men can now give blood 3 months after intercourse. It used to be completely forbidden then a 12 month time bar and now 3 so progress is being made. I'm not sure if that's the same in Scotland. I understand the 3 months is because that's how long it can take for HIV infection to return a positive test. Whilst I accept there is a higher risk associated with men having sex with men I'd argue gay men in trusting relationships or practicing safe sex are lower risk than heterosexuals having unprotected sex outside of one.

[Chuck Rhoades]

Did they mention if they were still taking plasma donations from people who have previously tested positive for covid to be used for the convalescent plasma therapy?

Someone I know knows someone who had covid in March and has given a few times since for that purpose. Was still showing good antibody levels months later which is positive news for everyone.

Three of us received a text with the following this morning:

Dear XXX

UK Blood Services are collecting plasma from people who have had a positive test for COVID-19. 28 days after recovery from COVID-19, you might save lives by donating plasma. To see if you can help others with COVID-19, please visit https://www.nhs.uk/coronavirus and click the take part in research section.

[bobbyhibs1983]

Obviously I wasn’t there so can’t comment on the person who registered you, but just wondered if you maybe misunderstood their concerns. The staff really do go above and beyond to make sure you are healthy and well enough to give blood, from experience, this is about concern for you firstly rather than the quality of your blood. When I was younger, more than once, I was asked to step on the scales despite being a more than healthy weight, because the member of staff thought there was a chance I may underweight (zero chance of that now lol), they do really care about patients.


hi
and thanks for the response, maybe i did misunderstand there concerns, just as far as i recall i just felt they didn't think i understood the questions,which i did!
Might have to try getting around to giving blood again as others have said it is a vital thing!
kind regards

[StevieC]

I’m just about to leave to give blood, booked in for 6pm. First donation during lockdown, so will be interesting to see the setup.

I’ve one of the rarer blood types, I’m led to believe that the blood plasma for my group is quite sought after.