Do Something Amazing- Give Blood

Bob63

I did it, I finally made my 50th donation today! Circumstances such as major surgery and US travel have limited my opportunities to donate this year so this milestone has been a long time coming. 50 donations was an important personal goal because that's roughly the number of units of blood and platelets that my dad received during the two years of treatment he had before dying of lymphoma and leukaemia in November 2006. Our family is no longer overdrawn at the blood bank

The nurse who handed me my gift box was quite embarrassed when I broke the seal to get at my badge and pen only to find the pen box empty. Luckily they gave me another box so I can now proudly show off my Cross ball pen to my family.

Next donor session booked for Jan 19th...

Chaz1

I would love to give blood to help others but I am so scared of neddles

minnie123

Hi does anyone know if you can give blood if you are under 8 stone. I tried to do it a few years back and was turned away because of my weight, but I am interested in doing this.

Chaz1

I'm under eight stone now, i've been very ill over Christmas and lost half a stone - thats an interesting thought - will have to try and find out

minnie123

Been googling it and I think you have to be over 7stone 12 in this country to give blood.

Chaz1

Thats me out! I'm 7st 6 - Wonder why you have to be over 7st 12 ??

minnie123

I don't know but I am thinking if I just went what is the likelihood of them weighing you?

Bob63

Chaz1 wrote: »

Thats me out! I'm 7st 6 - Wonder why you have to be over 7st 12 ??

Your blood volume is directly related to your weight. More weight = more blood. As they take a fixed amount of blood from each person, they need to set a minimum weight so they know they aren't taking too much of your total available volume of blood.

noonesperfect

My guess is that if you are **under 7st 12lbs you don't have the capacity of blood to spare the required amount at donation. I've tried cutting and pasting the helpline number, but it's not playing today. Lo-call number anyway, if you have any questions.

**Not a problem I suffer with :rotfl:

Ah cheeseymike beat me to it - great minds think alike though!

torbrex

Anyone between the ages of 17-66, who is in general good health, can volunteer to give blood (if you are a current donor, you can donate until you are 70 years of age). But first we want to make sure that we are taking the best care of you. Please make sure you have eaten before donating. While almost anyone can give blood, please remember there are a few exceptions.

There are two main reasons why you shouldn't give blood:

1 - If giving blood could affect your own good health, for example:

• If you are pregnant or have been pregnant within the last year
• If you have certain medical conditions or are taking certain types of medication
• If you have had surgery in the past 12 months
• If you weigh less than 7st 12lbs (50kg)
• If you are under the age of 17 or over the age of 66 (70 for current donors)
• If you have been at the dentist within the past 24 hours

2 - If your blood could transmit an infection to the person who receives it, for example:

• If you have visited a foreign country within the last 12 months where you may have been exposed to malaria, such as parts of Africa or South America
• If you have ever injected drugs
• If your lifestyle puts you at risk of HIV or hepatitis
• If you have had ear /body piercing or a tattoo within the last year
• If you have received, or think you may have received, a blood transfusion in the UK since 1980

We don't want you to waste your journey, so please call us in advance if you have any queries about your medical history at all. One of our qualified health care professionals will give you confidential advice over the phone.
0845 3017270




I took this from the Scotblood website so the phone number may be different elsewhere in the country.

You have to be over the minimum weight so that your system can cope with the loss, my neice who is not small, is a fainter after she donates, sometimes it was straight away other times it could be an hour afterwards with no warning. The nurses and doctors are pretty good judges and if they have doubts about your weight they will pop you on the scales to be sure especially if it is your first time or if you have not donated for a while.

The fear of needles is a difficult one to overcome, I take it in my stride and watch the whole process but I have seen others with their eyes tightly shut while the needle goes in and comes out again.

T