Blood donor service

naz101

I was wondering if anyone else had experienced any issues whilst trying to give blood.

a while bad, I used to donate blood 2-3 times a year with no issues.
However, I developed a latex allergy and was stopped from donating due to risk to myself, incase I was exposed to any latex.

Thats fair enough I guess but now with almost all medical equipment latex free, should there still be an issue?

I havent had the time to call up and see what they say but does anyone have any thoughts?

I know scotlands supplies are poor at the moment and want to start helping again

paddyrg

Last time I gave blood, I don't think I saw a single latex thing! How about next time they are near, you drop in and ask them in person on site, see the lay of the land.

I have to say, I've always been REALLY impressed with how efficient those guys are. Their workflow is amazing, at least my local ones. Everything is kitted, barcoded, traceable, brilliantly done.

Jeff_Bridges_hair

I do it regularly and they dont worry about the latex apart from the gloves they wear..

naz101

yeah I keep meaning to call them but by the time I finish my shifts (ironically in a hospital), the donor department is shut. Think I will try calling up.

Hate the fact that there is really nothing wrong with me but I cant help!:(

MissUno

The latex thing has never stopped me from being able to donate blood. I can understand feeling bad, I've had to put donations on hold for medical reasons and I feel terribly guilty.

I commend everyone who donates blood, so many people make such utterly ridiculous excuses not to bother, but they sure would expect the supplies there if they or a loved one needed it.

MooBag_2

MissUno wrote: »

I commend everyone who donates blood, so many people make such utterly ridiculous excuses not to bother, but they sure would expect the supplies there if they or a loved one needed it.

Good point however, once you've been given some blood you cannot donate! Shame, really. I had to have two bags of the stuff (I'm also AB+) and because of this, I cannot give back....A risk associated with mad cow disease - I kid you not, even if my name is MooBag.

naz101

Missuno, how allergic are you to latex? I am made to carry an epipen although I have never needed to use it.
The reason I ask is if you are bad too then hopefully if I go back now it might not be a problem???;)

ERICS_MUM

Naz101, You could call or e mail them if it's easier - details on their website. I do hope you can find a way of donating again:

https://secure.blood.co.uk/mqf.asp

For anyone interested in giving blood for the first time:

http://www.blood.co.uk/

I donate blood platelets (went today funnily enough) feel free to PM me if you'd like to know what is involved at a donor session. It's particularly important to me at the moment as a 42 y/o friend is battling liver cancer

http://www.blood.co.uk/platelets/


Also, how many people reading this have registered on the organ donor or bone marrow databases ?

Giving blood is such a generous thing to do and will have such an amazing impact on someone's life.

Sorry if I sound like I work for the Blood Service - I don't !

Linda xx

CoolHotCold

I went two weeks ago to give blood and the people who work there are great, can't say I noticed any latex. Each time I go it gets better and better with new equipment (Well it couldn't go much worst then the first time).

On the Organ donor list and also next time i'm in i'll ask about stem cells/marrow.

tealady

Hi
Speaking as a donor of 30+ years of visits I can honestly say that the Bllod service is great. If you have any allergies (such as plasters) just let them know.
Someone I love had to have blood last year, without it they could have died. We share the same blood group and I like to think there is possibly a bit of me that helped them.

dane-katie

Id love to give blood but dont think i can with my medication, plus i keep getting tattoos!