Donating Blood

[The Doors]

SWIM was wondering of how safe it would be for someone who is considering donating blood to do so after having consuming the following drugs:

Marijuana; pretty much on a daily basis for the past year.
Ecstacy/MDMA: Has used it around 10 times since mid-january when he first took it, the last time being 2weeks ago.

Maybe it'd be a good idea to post for other drugs too, SWIM would like to donate if possible.

Reputation Comments on this post:

Good question

[Nagognog2]

I can't think of any allergies these might provoke.

Just make sure you haven't had sex with another man - even if both are tested and found clear of any SDI's like AIDS. That's against the law. (USA)

[Heretic.Ape.]

And make sure you don't have epilepsy and aren't taking depakote or keppra. Tried to sell some blood for the new server drive and they wouldn't take it.

[Micklemouse]

Non-drug-related, but in Britain you are not allowed to give blood if you have had a blood transfusion since January 1st 1980 due the risk of CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease - the human form of Mad Cow Disease).

Any intravenous drug-use (ever!) is out, as is giving blood if you have had sex with an i.v. drug-user.

Personally, I would say giving blood with traces of any psychoactive substance is a no-no (this is personal opinion mind you) - give your system time to clear itself before donating. A Certain Mouse would not like to think that he was introducing a chemical into somebody else without their knowledge or consent.

https://secure.blood.co.uk/c11_cant.asp

(Requires Java enabled & Flash)

[Abrad]

I have heard that you will not be allowed to donate if you have used cocaine within the past year due to a possible risk of hepatitis being passed on from sharing straws (presumebly this would also apply to other drugs).
Anybody know if this is true?

Edit: seems it is true.

www.ndc.hrb.ie

Irish Blood Transfusion Services (IBTS) have banned cocaine users from donating blood after AIDS specialists announced that it would be possible for people who snort cocaine to contract the HIV virus. The virus conceivably could be passed as rolled banknotes may cause cuts in the nasal passages, with banknotes often shared between users. Randy Viele, outreach co-ordinator with the AIDS Council of North-eastern New York said: “Sharing paraphernalia to snort cocaine can lead to Hepatitis C or even AIDS when blood gets on the equipment. It can happen”. The IBTS has now included a question on he screening application enquiring whether the potential donor has snorted cocaine or any other drug. Dr William Murphy, head of the IBTS, said: “Our question about snorting was originally brought in because of Hepatitis C concerns. We know Hepatitis C has gone from person to person through straws. It is due to the microscopic bleeding onto the straw from haemorrhaging in the nasal passage”.

[tayo]

probably a drug needs to be active in the bloodstream and it would have to be one that would not deteriorate, like alcohol. but drugs months ago shouldnt hurt anyone.
people lie though... they could be on a drug while giving blood, say psilocybin in the bloodstream might freak someone out during a transfusion.... which probably wouldnt last in refrigerated blood because it would decay because or blood does indeed have a PH and a bunch of other stuff in it that will look to whipe out foreign substance. (p-glycoproteins, certain cells, antigens)

and for Abrad, hepatitis c is the one that is well-know for being passed from tooters. don't know if they'll "let you" but the thing is they should be testing their blood supplies for hep a,b,c, HIV, gonnorhea, influenza, bacterial infections, fungal infections, anything that can take over blood pretty much these blood banks should test for. swim doesnt know the exact regulations though.

[Ikku]

SWIM's going to resurrect this thread to ask...will anything happen if he attempts to give blood next week after being clean from cocaine for about a week? He does not have hepatitis or HIV, he doesn't think cocaine will show up in his blood but he isn't sure. Are there any good reasons not to give blood?

[lexifer]

when swims school had a blood drive a couple years ago swim went to donate. he was asked a series of questions, including the normal ones like, any tattoos or piercings in the last year, iv drug use, etc, etc. there was one that stood out though. the person asking swim these questions asked him something to the tune of: have you ever engaged in an homosexual act outside of the united states. haha swim was caught in bewilderment for a second before answering. really wish swim would've found out why they'd ask something like that. i mean sure, swim understands the homesexuality part, but whats the need to ask if anything like that took place outside the US. sorry for the off topic post but the donating blood thread title reminded swim of this.

[Micklemouse]

@lkku - please scroll up to Abrad's post regarding cocaine use & donation. The issue is not only the presence of cocaine in the donor's bloodstream, but the possibility of hepatitis being passed on by shared bank-notes/straws/tooters used for insufflation (snorting). Can the donor be 100% certain that they or anyone they shared with do not have Hep? Remember that one can carry some forms of Hepatitis for up to 20 years without showing symptoms.

from wikipedia:

The homosexuality question is I think universal, & a hangover from the AIDS/Hepatitis = gay plague hysteria of the early 80's, which unfortunately still has a hold on the collective consciousness, despite the fact that HIV is just as prevalent in the "straight" world, potentially more so. There are campaigns to overturn this rule, but the medical community is more than a little reluctant at present...

From http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article....&in_page_id=34

'Lift ban on gay blood donors'
Thursday, March 6, 2008

A ban that stops gay and bisexual men giving blood should be overhauled, say campaigners.
BloodBan.co.uk says current guidelines are outdated and discriminatory and stop millions of people saving lives.
Currently, men who have had sex with other men cannot give blood because they are deemed to be more at risk of passing on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
BloodBan.co.uk is campaigning for people to sign a petition which it will present to the NHS Blood Donor Committee and Prime Minister later this year.



Campaign founder Russell Hirst criticised the policy as 'outdated, hypocritical and not based on recent scientific fact'.
He said an alternative would be to require gay and bisexual donors to be tested for STDs beforehand and bring an 'all clear' certificate with them when giving blood. Lifting the ban would dramatically increase depleted blood stocks, he added.
A National Blood Service spokesman said the ban was justified and had been 'extremely successful' in reducing risk of HIV transmission via blood transfusions.
He said evidence showed that gay and bisexual men were still 'at an increased risk' of catching blood-borne STDs including HIV.
But gay rights activist Peter Tatchell said the ban was 'driven by stereotypes about gay male behaviour'.

The current British guidelines from The National Blood Service (U.K.) https://secure.blood.co.uk/c11_cant.asp

Who can't give blood

In this section we're going to deal with the occasions when you definitely can't give blood. The most important thing to always remember is that by accepting your blood there's no risk of us either harming you or the patients who may potentially receive your blood.

Check out the chief reasons why someone shouldn't give blood and you could save yourself a wasted journey.

You should not give blood if:

1 You've already given blood in the last 12 weeks (normally, you must wait 16 weeks). 2 You have a chesty cough, sore throat or active cold sore. 3 You're currently taking antibiotics or you have just finished a course within the last seven days. 4 You've had hepatitis or jaundice in the last 12 months. 5 You've had ear or body piercing or tattoos in the last 6 months. 6 You've had acupuncture in the last 6 months outside the NHS (unless you can produce the approved certificate from your acupuncturist or physiotherapist). 7 A member of your family (parent, brother, sister or child) has suffered with CJD (Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease). 8 You've ever received human pituitary extract (which was used in some growth hormone or fertility treatments before 1985). 9 You have received blood or think you may have received blood during the course of any medical treatment or procedure anywhere in the world since 1st January 1980.
You may not be able to give blood if:

1 You've had a serious illness or major surgery in the past or are currently on medication. Please discuss this with the clinical staff. The reason you're taking medicines may prevent you from donating. 2 You've had complicated dental work. Simple fillings are OK after 24 hours, as are simple extractions after 7 days. 3 You've been in contact with an infectious disease or have been given certain immunisations in the last four weeks. 4 You're presently on a hospital waiting list or undergoing medical tests. 5 You do not weigh over 50kgs (7st 12).

If you are unsure please call our 24 hour donor helpline on 0845 7 711 711.
Pregnancy

You should not give blood if you are pregnant or you are a woman who has had a baby in the last 9 months.

Travel abroad

Please wait 6 months after returning from a malarial area before giving blood. Please also tell us if you have visited Central/South America at any time. (Those who've had Malaria, or an undiagnosed illness associated with travel, may not however be able to give blood.)

If you are unsure please call our 24 hour donor helpline on 0845 7 711 711.

West Nile Virus

Have you been to or plan to go to CANADA or the UNITED STATES this Summer? If yes, please click here, as it might affect you giving blood.



The special problem of HIV and Hepatitis viruses

• Every single blood donation is tested for HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and hepatitis B and C.
• Infected blood isn't used in transfusions but our test may not always detect the early stages of viral infection.
• The chance of infected blood getting past our screening tests is very small, but we rely on your help and co-operation.
• People who carry these viruses may feel healthy for many years.

You should never give blood if:

1 You carry the hepatitis B virus, the hepatitis C virus or the HIV virus. 2 You're a man who's had sex with another man, even safe sex using a condom. 3 You've ever worked as a prostitute. 4 You've ever injected yourself with drugs - even once.
You should not give blood for 12 months after sex with:

1 A man who has had sex with another man (if you're a female). 2 A prostitute. 3 Anyone who has ever injected themselves with drugs. 4 Anyone with haemophilia or a related blood clotting disorder who has received clotting factor concentrates. 5 Anyone of any race who has been sexually active in parts of the world where AIDS/HIV is very common. This includes countries in Africa.
Please do not give blood if you even think that you need a test for HIV or hepatitis, or if you had sex in the past year with someone you think may be HIV or hepatitis positive.

Never give blood to get an HIV test. If you're worried, please ring the National AIDS/HIV helpline on 0800 567 123.

Donors can get further information about these and other issues by contacting the special national blood donor helpline on 0845 7 711 711 (local call rates), open 24 hours a day. Information is provided on who can and cannot give blood, how to become a blood donor and where to donate.

For an overview of international policy visit http://rosecottage.me.uk/OutRage-archives/qiblood.htm

The page unfortunately hasn't been updated since 2000, but to be honest, not a lot will have changed, & it gives some nice background - check with your local transfusion/donation service for current guidelines

Reputation Comments on this post:

Detailed explanation, good links.

[Richi]

I went to give blood today (Canada) and almost if not all of the above statements are correct.
The vast majority of the questions were screening for homosexuality, and also prostitution (both paying for and being payed for sex).
The two drug related questions were as have been pointed out, having ever used a needle or having used cocaine in the past 12 months.
Also to add, three of the screening questions pertained to having lived in Africa, having an African mother, or having an African grandmother.

[Phungushead]

And here's some information about blood donation in the US...

United States Blood Donor Requirements:
http://internetbloodbank.org/articles.html

Blood donor requirements

It is the responsibility of hospitals, Blood collection centers, and Blood storage facilities to protect the health of those donating Blood and to assure the safety of the Blood supply in general. Therefore, tests will be performed and a donor’s general health evaluated at the time of every donation. All physical conditions are ultimately subject to the review and approval of a physician in charge and accountable. High or low Blood pressure may exclude a donor for an undetermined length of time. Low hemoglobin (iron) content in the Blood is also cause for temporary deferral.

It is unfortunate that in the United States, as well as some other countries, this 'highly sophisticated' system of Blood collection, testing, storage, management, and dispensing by sale, for profit, is substantially based on the honor system. If the donor lies or is mistaken about any of the following questions, the Blood supply is at risk!

Blood centers follow a recommended 'five layer' standard of safety protocol for donor eligibility standards, individual screening, laboratory testing, confidential exclusion of donations, and donor record checks. (However, then again, they may not!)


TYPES OF BLOOD DONORS

One of the keys to a good Blood transfusion is starting with good Blood. There is a massive effort to make sure that "the Blood supply is safer than it has ever been." Since economics enter the picture, however, an informed receiver of Blood and/or Blood products is less likely to have problems of the 'now known' or the 'not now known' variety. The three types of Blood donors are:

Volunteer Blood Donors: As a rule, a greater percentage of better quality Blood comes from volunteer donors. Hence, there is a massive effort under way to recruit this class of donor. Volunteer donors are very important because the incidence of Blood transmitted disease is much less in Blood drawn from volunteers. In the United States, most whole Blood donations come from volunteer donors. Most Blood for Blood products is not donated in this way.

Replacement Blood Donors: Blood donors who donate their Blood as a replacement for their own Blood, or that of a friend or relative are called replacement donors. Blood "scares" in recent years have caused this to grow. The donor is selected by the recipient; they then go to the Blood donor center to be tested and typed; their Blood is then drawn and stored for use by the designated recipient.

Professional Blood Donors: Blood donors who get either monetary benefit or helps of various other kinds in return for the Blood that they donate. Such donors are statistically more likely to carry some infection. Their Blood is more likely to be of a lower standard as they tend to donate more frequently.

Professional (paid) donors are not often turned away. There is, in fact, in most organizations, a place and an informal policy in place to manage these donors. To give some idea of the policies that make this Blood acceptable, the policy may read: "..... if a blood establishment provides monetary payment to a donor, all products collected from that donor that are intended for transfusion and that are collected during the donation at which the donor received the monetary incentive should be labeled with the 'paid donor' classification statement. These products include Whole Blood, Red Blood Cells, Fresh Frozen Plasma, and Platelets. Monetary payment includes cash, in any amount, or items that are readily convertible to cash. If a cash payment in any amount is made to a group to which the donor belongs, this would be considered a monetary payment to the donor and the products collected from the donor should be labeled with the 'paid donor' classification statement" etc.

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It is unfortunate that in the United States, as well as some other countries, this 'highly sophisticated' system of Blood collection, testing, storage, management, and dispensing by sale, for profit, is substantially based on the honor system. All potential Blood donors are asked over 90 short, easy-to-answer questions. This is the basis of decision on the suitability of the Blood donor and their Blood. If the donor lies or is mistaken about any of the following questions, the Blood supply is at risk!

The most common eligibility guidelines in the United States (some other countries have differing guidelines) are outlined below. These are subject to change.


BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• Be in generally good health and feeling well.
• Be at least 17 years of age; upper age 60 (420d*).
• Weigh at least 110 pounds (45 kg).
• Pulse: 80 to 100 beats/min and regular.
• Temperature: Should not exceed 99.5 (37.5c).
• Blood Pressure: acceptable range is 160/90 to 110/60.
• Skin: the venipuncture site should be free of any lesion or scar of needle pricks indicative of addiction to narcotics or frequent Blood donation (as in the case of professional Blood donors).

DONATION FREQUENCY (may vary)

• Whole Blood donors may donate every 56 days.
• Plasma donors may donate twice a week (max. every 48 hours.)
• Platelet donors may donate a maximum of 24 times per year.
• Other specialized donations are subject to other rules.

DO NOT DONATE BLOOD IF:

• You have ever tested positive for HIV,
• You have ever injected yourself with drugs or other substances not prescribed by a physician,
• You are a man and have had sex with another man, even once,
• You have hemophilia or another Blood clotting disorder and received clotting factor concentrate,
• You have engaged in sex for drugs or money since 1977,
• You have lived in western Europe since 1980,
• You have been held in a correctional facility (including jails, prisons and/or detention centers) for more than 72 hours in the last 12 months,
• You were born in, lived in or had sex with anyone who lived in, or received Blood products in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Niger or Nigeria since 1977 (this list changes frequently; updates are very important) or,
• You are, or have been a sexual contact of someone in the above list.

NOTE: There is a special watch for potential donors who have visited or lived in England/United Kingdom from 1980 to 1999, and those who have lived and/or worked in Western Europe since 1980.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS

• Accident & Injury: can donate if otherwise healthy
• Aids: can not donate
• Allergies: can donate if there is no infection present and there is no treatment ongoing
• Anemia: defer donation until no symptoms exist
• Arthritis: can donate if mild and not on medication
• Asthma: those with severe asthma requiring regular treatment can not donate; can donate if there are no symptoms evident
• Babesiosis: can not donate
• Blood disorders or bleeding tendencies: can not donate
• Blood Pressure: acceptable range is 160/90 to 110/60. (see medication section below for medication restrictions.)
• Brain or spinal surgery that required a transplant of brain covering (dura mater): can not donate
• Bronchitis: defer donation until four weeks or after recovery
• CJD: When a Blood relative has been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), or there is an increased family risk of CJD; can not donate
• Cancer: Basal cell, squamous cell skin cancers and keratosis; can not donate until removed and healed. Melanoma; can not donate. Malignant tumors; can donate five years after removal of early stage contained solid tumor, no chemotherapy, and in remission
• Chicken Pox: defer donation until four weeks after recovery
• Chlamydia: like all other venereal diseases; a minimum of a one year deferral is required
• Colds, fever, flu, sore throat: can not donate until symptoms (sore throat, cough, respiratory infection, headache) are completely gone
• Cold Sore, Fever Blister, Canker Sore: can donate
• Colitis: can not donate
• Colostomy: can not donate
• Dementia: can not donate
• Dengue: defer donation until four weeks after recovery
• Dermatitis: can donate if mild; defer donation if severe
• Diabetes: can donate if treatment is by diet control and condition is stable; defer donation if on medication
• Diarrhea: defer donation until three weeks after recovery
• Eczema: can donate if mild. defer donation if severe
• Emphysema: can not donate
• Filariasis: can not donate
• Food Poisoning: defer donation for one week after full recovery
• Gastroenteritis: defer donation for one week after full recovery
• Gall Stone: can donate if not on medication
• Gonorrhea/Syphilis: defer donation for one year after complete recovery
• Gout: can not donate
• Heart attack: can donate if greater than one year since, and no symptoms present, the attending Blood authority physician must carefully evaluate
• Heart surgery, Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) or angioplasty: can donate one year after surgery, if no history of heart attack, and the donor is on no medication for the heart (aspirin is okay)
• Hemochromatosis: can not donate
• Hepatitis: Hepatitis or undiagnosed jaundice after age ten; can not donate. Positive hepatitis test: can notif the history of hepatitis is pertaining to mononucleosis or CMV infection donate. Can donate
• Herpes (genital): can donate four weeks after lesions completely clear
• Leprosy: can not donate
• Malaria; had Malaria in last three years: defer donation for three years after full recovery (also see Travel and Residency Restrictions below)
• Pregnancy and Miscarriage: can donate after six weeks of full term normal delivery. Can donate six weeks after termination in third trimester. First or second trimester miscarriage can donate after stable
• Prostate: can not donate
• Sexually transmitted diseases - Genital herpes: can not donate until all lesions are completely clear
• Sickle Cell Trait: can not donate
• Seizures in the last five Years: can not donate
• Spondylosis: can donate if feeling well and not under any treatment at all
• Strokes: can not donate
• Surgery (all): can donate after healed and released from physician care.
• Syphilis: see Gonorrhea
• Thyroid: for Hypothyroid, can donate if feeling well and euthyroid on thyroxine for six months. For Hyperthyroid: can not donate until euthyroid for six months.
• Tuberculosis: can not donate until two years after complete cure
• Viral Infection: can donate after cure and off treatment
• Worms: can donate after complete cure

MEDICATION GUIDELINES

• Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol): may be taken in normal moderate doses before any Blood donation
• Accutane: four-week deferral
• Allergy medication: can donate
• Antibiotics: 72-hour deferral after infection is healed
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin and Naprosyn): may not be taken within 24 hours before a platelet donation (some other rules may apply)
• Aspirin-containing products or Feldene and Lodine XL: may not donate within 36 hours before platelet donation
• Birth control pills: can donate
• Blood pressure medication: can donate under present FDA and American Red Cross standards in force
• Depression medication: can donate
• Diabetic medication - Injected bovine (beef) insulin since 1980; can not donate
• Diet pills: can donate
• Diuretics: can donate
• Female hormone pills: can donate
• Any human pituitary-derived hormone (i.e. growth hormone): can not donate
• Soriatane (Acitretin): three-year deferral
• Tegison (used to treat a severe skin disorder): can not donate if ever taken
• Thyroid medication: can donate if stabilized

IMMUNIZATION EXCLUSIONS

• Polio, mumps, smallpox: two-week or more deferral
• Rubella or Rubeola (types of measles): four week deferral
• Tetanus, diphtheria, flu, Hepatitis B: can not donate until any reaction is over

OTHER POSSIBLE RESTRICTIONS

• Acupuncture: one-year deferral
• Alcohol: defer donation if consumed in last 12 hours
• Body piercing: one-year deferral
• Cocaine: taking through the nose (snorting); one-year deferral minimum, local Blood authority will prevail
• Dental work - Cleaning and fillings: one-day deferral; Root canal: three-day deferral after work is complete
• Ear piercing: can donate if the piercing was performed in a doctor’s office (with written verification) otherwise, one-year deferral
• Electrolysis: defer donation for one year
• Hepatitis exposure: one-year deferral
• Menstruation: can donate
• Rape: one-year deferral
• Smoker: can donate
• Tattoo in the last 12 months: one-year deferral
• Transfusion: defer donation by one year if undergone transfusion with Blood products. Can donate if undergone autologous transfusion only

TRAVEL and RESIDENCY OUTSIDE of the UNITED STATES

• England/United Kingdom - visited or lived in from 1980 to 1999: deferred indefinitely (this standard varies between United States FDA and The American Red Cross and the American Association of Blood Banks.
• Western Europe - visited or lived in since 1980 deferred indefinitely
• Born in, lived in or had sex with anyone who lived in, or received Blood products in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Niger or Nigeria since 1977 (this list changes frequently; updates are very important): deferral indefinitely.
• Lived or traveled in an area where Malaria is prevalent (Central America and South America, etc.): three-year deferral,
• Other international travelers: different restrictions apply as precaution against mad cow disease, depending on what blood bank and region

Testing done on donated blood:
http://internetbloodbank.org/articles.html

ABOUT BLOOD TESTING and SAFETY

• Most Blood processing facilities perform 11 or 12 basic tests on every unit of donated Blood. Nine of these are for infectious diseases. These tests include screenings for: hepatitis (a liver infection); HIV (the virus that causes AIDS); HTLV-I (a virus associated with a rare form of leukemia); HTLV-II; and syphilis. Other tests are needed, but, are cost prohibitive and therefore not performed. The World Health Organization suggests only nine basic Blood tests.
• Approximately 95% of Blood samples taken are tested within 24 hours of arrival at the Blood testing laboratory.
• In the United States, for some Blood centers, if testing indicates that a unit of Blood may pose a threat to a patient, that Blood is destroyed. The donor is then entered into the Donor Deferral Register, a national computerized database of more than 250,000 known individuals who are deferred from donating Blood. This system assumes honest donors when selling or donating their Blood, or Blood products. At some point all Blood centers must subscribe to this service.
• It matters, geographically, where we get a Blood transfusion.
• Every day more is learned about Blood chemistry and the Blood supply. The Blood supply, therefore, is getting safer as more is known about the makeup of Blood and Blood diseases. Looking at the big picture, little is known to date.

Tests run on donated blood:
http://www.bloodbook.com/test-donated.html

In the United States, at the time of this writing, before your donated Blood is made available for transfusion, it will be tested as follows:

ABO Typing - provides determination of Blood type: A, B, O, or AB

Rh Factor Determination - indicates positive or negative Blood type.

Blood Group Antibodies - indicates unexpected antibodies that may be a result of prior transfusion, pregnancy or other factors.

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen - indicates a present infection (hepatitis) or carrier state of hepatitis B virus.

Antibody to Hepatitis B Core - additional test that detects a present or past infection with the hepatitis B virus.

Antibody to Hepatitis C Virus - indicates antibody to a virus that causes hepatitis C (responsible for non-A non-B hepatitis.) The mean incubation time is six to eight weeks.

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) - identifies a liver enzyme that, when increased, may indicate undetectable forms of hepatitis.

Antibody to HTLV - 1 and 2 - indicates the antibody to a virus that causes adult T-cell leukemia, among other things.

Antibody to HIV 1 and 2 - indicates an infection with Human Immune deficiency Virus.

Syphilis - screens for this dangerous venereal disease.


The following tests, that are not required for most transfusions, are often performed on Blood that may be needed for newborns and special needs patients :

Antibody to Cytomegalovirus (CMV) - Screening for the antibody to cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is a very common virus in our environment, is performed on products intended for immunocompromised recipients such as patients undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia or cancer, transplant patients, and low birth-weight infants.

Sickle Cell Trait - indicates a genetic red Blood cell abnormality.
In 1999, Blood collecting organizations began the study of a new test for HIV and hepatitis C called nucleic acid amplification (NAT), designed to detect portions of the actual virus itself. Based on preliminary data, it is hoped this test will further shorten the 'window period' for these viruses. This will improve Blood safety and shorten the time that it takes to get Blood and Blood products from donation to transfusion.

Often, but not always, Blood donors are notified about results of these required tests if a problem is detected during testing. We believe that this notification should be mandatory within five days of completion of testing. This notification would allow a Blood donor with a possible problem the opportunity to seek treatment, or clarify an anomaly or mistake in the test or the test procedure

Reputation Comments on this post:

Extremely informative, much needed info, it could save a life.

[Jatelka]

Please do give blood if you can, and sign up to be an organ donor.

Even if you think you may not be suitable, because of previous drug use.

Even if traditional organs (such as livers) are unsuitable, due to alcohol or drug use, you may still be able to donate corneas (giving the gift of sight), and other less obvious things (although, as mentioned, iv use is a no-no)

[missparkles]

Slightly off topic, but relevant as it does pertain to donation.
Just like to add that it's also important to have your blood taken and tested as some people could also be a possible match for others, who need bone marrow transplants. This simple step could also save a life.
The Anthony Nolan trust has details of this procedure.

http://www.anthonynolan.org.uk/donat...intheregister/

Thanks.
Sparkles.

[Richi]

Originally Posted by missparkles

Off topic, but relevant.

Those are mutually exclusive events (they cannot both be true). But good suggestion sparkles.

[chinpokomaster]

SWIM has given blood once and went a couple of weeks without using anything (including alcohol) beforehand.

[BigPapaLarry]

SWIM has a question about donating blood. Obviously, losing that amount of blood makes one a good bit weaker for a day or two. SWIM knows of a blood drive happening in a few days, and was wondering that with the loss of blood would the effects of certain drugs be enhanced?

[corvardus]

Originally Posted by BigPapaLarry

SWIM has a question about donating blood. Obviously, losing that amount of blood makes one a good bit weaker for a day or two. SWIM knows of a blood drive happening in a few days, and was wondering that with the loss of blood would the effects of certain drugs be enhanced?

To SWIM it wouldn't make sense that it would make any effect any more enhanced. The spleen will replace the red blood cells and platelets within an hour of the transfusion. A drink will replace the liquids that are lost. Often the liquids are offered after the donation process (at least in the UK).

Then again why don't SWIY suck it and see, and give us a report?

[BigPapaLarry]

Originally Posted by corvardus

To SWIM it wouldn't make sense that it would make any effect any more enhanced. The spleen will replace the red blood cells and platelets within an hour of the transfusion. A drink will replace the liquids that are lost. Often the liquids are offered after the donation process (at least in the UK).

Then again why don't SWIY suck it and see, and give us a report?

Well SWIM will give blood tomorow and take LSD almost soonafterwards. SWIM doubts any real difference, but surely wouldnt be surprised if there was.

[EyesOfTheWorld]

Thi really bothers SWIM. He doesn't give blood due to the fact that he fails the screening on many, many levels, but he doesn't see why he can't donate functioning organs after he dies. Yes, he injects drugs, snorts cocaine, etc. He is also 110% clean of all infectious diseases, in fact just got tested a few days ago. So, he can't save or improve another life upon his death simply because he liked to get high?

[chinpokomaster]

I didn't feel weaker for a day or two. I barely felt weaker at all. You recoup that amount of blood in less than a day.

[Potter]

I refuse to donate blood untill the gay restrictions are removed. People want to be bigots, they can suffer an untimely death for all I care. Yes, at the time when AIDS started these were written with real concern, but condisering the fastest growing HIV+ populations is hetro women, they are outdated and obscene.

Heard rumors that it was popular for a bit in England to donate blood before a night of drinking. I think the drug concentration only works if there's a large enough dose for dilution to change the concentration.

[corvardus]

Originally Posted by Potter

I refuse to donate blood untill the gay restrictions are removed. People want to be bigots, they can suffer an untimely death for all I care. Yes, at the time when AIDS started these were written with real concern, but condisering the fastest growing HIV+ populations is hetro women, they are outdated and obscene.

Whilst I respect your opinions, Potter, I absolutely have to disagree with your rationale. Especially for the end result of that decision.

The people who are the bigots are the ones setting the policy. The ones receiving said products transcend every and all sexual stereotypes you can think of. The recipients of the blood are not descriminated against. Your decision is hardly going to affect those that have made the decision in the first place.

Essentially you support the "untimely deaths" of innocents. I'm not saying that you do or that you implied it but, ultimately, it could be seen that way.

You might be interested, then, that there is an upcoming meeting of the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs on 27th October, 2009 (See attached PDF).

From the last meeting. Minutes:

3. Evidence base for exclusion of high-risk blood donors
SaBTO were presented with an analysis of the most recent data in relation to risk of infections amongst certain groups currently excluded or deferred from donating blood. The committee will take into account information/views from the public meeting planned on this topic in October 2009. Members noted that the data are incomplete, but are the best available at this time. Members would like to see further analysis prior to the public meeting in October.
Members agree that donor deferral criteria must be based on estimates of risk, and any lifetime deferral must be justified by robust evidence. Members did not wish to recommend a change in policy at this stage but will further review this subject following the public meeting on this topic in October 2009. In addition, a report is expected in 2010 of a research study into donor compliance with deferral criteria.
A document will be produced for the October public meeting which clearly explains the evidence for current donor deferral and exclusion.

For a more in depth look at the committee:
(Government Website: Copy and Paste this in a Fresh Tab)
http://www.dh.gov.uk/ab/SaBTO/index.htm

Reputation Comments on this post:

critical thinking at its best. great post.

[dyingtomorrow]

Originally Posted by Potter

I refuse to donate blood untill the gay restrictions are removed. People want to be bigots, they can suffer an untimely death for all I care. Yes, at the time when AIDS started these were written with real concern, but condisering the fastest growing HIV+ populations is hetro women, they are outdated and obscene.

I just came across this thread, and didn't know that was an actual rule. "Obscene" bigotry is the perfect word to describe it.

I'm also a bit confused by the needle thing too, although I had heard that before. Between methadone clinics and needle exchanges, a good chunk of IV users are tested more frequently for all kinds of disease than probably 95% of regular people. Why would someone who knows they don't have anything (and hasn't injected since a final battery of tests) be banned, but an average heterosexual who has probably stumbled around unknowingly exposed to all kinds of disease through sex, saliva, sharing things, etc., and who has no idea whether they have a disease be the preferred donor?

[chinpokomaster]

It's not the fault of the people needing the blood that we have these restrictions, though.

Reputation Comments on this post:

You took the words right out of my mouth

[chibi curmudgeon]

As loathe as I am to agree with Potter I haven't donated in years for this reason, although I'm kind of split on this refusal. I used to donate platelets, which takes longer, is less comfortable than whole blood, and (for me at least) was mildly nauseating (from the heparin.) They treat you like a queen, though.

I'd do it again if I could answer their questions truthfully without being deferred. Yes, I have sex with bisexual men. And they don't have any STDs either. Want my blood? Revoke that pointless, homophobic restriction.