Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

Alexandria

I think it should be expected of people to give blood tbh, my family has always given blood and my dad has many medal things as he does so at every request because he has a rarer blood type. My dad was amde to do it when he joined the Navy as a 16 year old, not sure if its stil routine in the forces now?
I unfortunately have been told I can no longer give blood and its a real shame I think.

katiekittykat

lisyloo wrote: »

I don't think you can give blood if you've received it in recent years (can't remeber the time but it might be the last 10 years).
I believe this is because of CJD.
If it's not then it's definitely because there's a risk of passing on something that wasn't tested for during that period.

Ok - thanks

BornSloppy

I take it you have a serios op?[/QUOTE]

I'm not sure what my illness would of been classed as but it led to life saving surgery and i'm currently on daily medication.I'll try again when healthier!

kacie

I gave blood for the first time on monday. I almost fainted afterwards but will be donating again, and by then I should know my blood group

torbrex

kacie wrote: »

I gave blood for the first time on monday. I almost fainted afterwards but will be donating again, and by then I should know my blood group

Welcome to the club Kacie:T , I hope that you feel ok.
It is wise to lie for as long as possible after your donation, remember you have just lost about 1 kilo in weight in less than half an hour so it does make you feel a bit light headed. Best to take things easy and take on a little extra fluid before and after your donation.
You will find that the more times you donate your body will adapt and you can get on the move a bit quicker each time, I donate platelets so there is less of a loss to my system and I am up and away almost as soon as the needle is out of my arm.
You will also find that in time your blood group becomes less important to you and as long as you keep going that is what is important.

lisyloo

I donate platelets

What/who is it that determines whether you give blood or platelets?

I've heard that you can donate platelets more frequently.
Are people selected depending on the contents of their blood or is it only certain units that do it.

I'm going on Monday to give my 2nd pint.

kacie

They made me stay for 10mins after because it was my first timei got to 4 mins before i felt faint.

I had a questoniare to fill in asking about illnesses and had I had any injections, they want your blood clean so it wont cause harm to whoever receives it

juno

lisyloo wrote: »

What/who is it that determines whether you give blood or platelets?

I've heard that you can donate platelets more frequently.
Are people selected depending on the contents of their blood or is it only certain units that do it.

I'm going on Monday to give my 2nd pint.

You have to mention to the staff at the start of your next session that you're interested, and then they take extra samples to see if you can do it.

torbrex

Your suitability for platelet donation depends on a number of things, your body type and weight are assessed, you have to be above a certain weight, your platelet count is tested and the size of your veins is also important as the donation involves the needle being in for up to 90 minutes and the process involves a series of continuous drawing and returning of the blood with a special machine spinning off the platelets while you are conected to it. The donations do require special facilities so it will be at a donor centre within a hospital rather than a 'mobile' unit.

As has been said anyone interested should ask for more details at your next session, you could be just what they need.

Rikki

torbrex wrote: »

Your suitability for platelet donation depends on a number of things, your body type and weight are assessed, you have to be above a certain weight, your platelet count is tested and the size of your veins is also important as the donation involves the needle being in for up to 90 minutes and the process involves a series of continuous drawing and returning of the blood with a special machine spinning off the platelets while you are conected to it. The donations do require special facilities so it will be at a donor centre within a hospital rather than a 'mobile' unit.

As has been said anyone interested should ask for more details at your next session, you could be just what they need.

There quite strict with platelet donation and certain medication like ibuprofen prevent you from donating.

It was something I was interested in doing but unfortunately am unsuitable for.