NationStates Jolt Archive

Well, have you? Did it yesterday for the first time and it was pretty uneventful. Just wondering how many people on here have made the (very small) effort.

I've given blood in the past.

Dunno if I would now though.

It is a small sacrifice to make but, I have to be honest and say blood drives don't seem to be very common.

If there was one in town when I was down there I might.

I try to give blood regualy but I have recently changed my job and cannot seem to make it any more. Booo!

Well, have you? Did it yesterday for the first time and it was pretty uneventful. Just wondering how many people on here have made the (very small) effort.
I'm not allowed too, my blood would be rejected along with my organs :(

I will when I next see the Red Cross at uni. I hope they accept my low blood pressured, South African contaminated blood!

I used to do it, I'm O group which is rare around here. I can't anymore, or won't really bother because it would be just made into plasma or discarded because my current medications - and they get all the blood for plasma they need.

Yeah I have a few times when they came to my school. I haven't made the effort beyond that though.

I've given blood in the past.

Dunno if I would now though.

It is a small sacrifice to make but, I have to be honest and say blood drives don't seem to be very common.

If there was one in town when I was down there I might.
Same here - they came to the university I was at for my undergraduate degree quite a lot, and I gave blood then. But I've rarely seen them since I began my postgraduate studies (elsewhere) and, annoyingly, they don't often come to the area I live in. If they did, I would certainly donate again.

Petrified of needles. Want to puke when I'm near them.

I will when I next see the Red Cross at uni. I hope they accept my low blood pressured, South African contaminated blood!
Enough salt and red meat could fix the bp problem. Mmmm, saaaalt.

I've thought about it, but I'm a bit unsure because I'm right on the minimum weight for giving blood.

Enough salt and red meat could fix the bp problem. Mmmm, saaaalt.
But my family has problems with heart disease. :( I'm in such a bind!

You know, I used to give blood. Until a hospital blood bank worker told me they sell it for $300 a pint. Maybe that's the wrong attitude to have but...*shrugs*

Preebles, your low bloodpreasure shouldnt be a problem unless its so low that they are worried that you are going to pass out from loosing any. I was unable to donate this last time (i have 3 times in the past) because my Iron was low...which will teach me to take my vitamins before I go next time. *grin* they dont care where you or your family comes from...see, the great thing is, different blood types are more common in different areas. You may have a blood type that is common in south africa, but is more rare where you are now. The rarer your blood type is, the more there are bound to be people who need it (because there aren't enough people to donate).
Anyway, no worries! The worst part is when they prick your finger to test your iron content. Compared to the finger prick, the actualy needle is nothing.

I have done it 8 times now and counting... The worst part (to me) used to be when they took the blood sample from your finger tip to mesure hemoglobin count from your blood but nowadays they have made even that painless.

Suklaa, do they really do that in Finland? Never heard that before... Is it the same if I go to a hospital to give blood or a Red Cross place?

In Finland giving blood is actually donating blood, we don't get payed to do it. Just happy mind and some cookies and juice at the donating places. But still I like to do it, you will save lives doing something that simple (and painless).

I haven't, because I don't like needles. I would if I had to (for family or friends)

Suklaa, do they really do that in Finland? Never heard that before... Is it the same if I go to a hospital to give blood or a Red Cross place?

I'm in U.S. Common mistake, though. :D

I have done it 8 times now and counting... The worst part (to me) used to be when they took the blood sample from your finger tip to mesure hemoglobin count from your blood but nowadays they have made even that painless.

Suklaa, do they really do that in Finland? Never heard that before... Is it the same if I go to a hospital to give blood or a Red Cross place?

In Finland giving blood is actually donating blood, we don't get payed to do it. Just happy mind and some cookies and juice at the donating places. But still I like to do it, you will save lives doing something that simple (and painless).


This is a great thing to do. I've never been paid in the U.S.-I dont know if they still pay people anywhere, but I wouldnt accept money to donate.
If you're healthy and want to help your fellow human being, this is a great thing to consider doing on a regular basis.

I'm a mad cow BAHHHHHH!!!!!

I am not able to give blod since I have visited contries who have had mad cow incidences in the past 10 years for more than 6 months.

Well I have panic attacks whenever anyone gets near me with needles. I would like to donate and have tried counselling for the phobia but it doesn't seem to help. I doubt if my blood would be accepted anyway as I'm on a lot of medication.

This is a great thing to do. I've never been paid in the U.S.-I dont know if they still pay people anywhere, but I wouldnt accept money to donate.
If you're healthy and want to help your fellow human being, this is a great thing to consider doing on a regular basis.
Yep, that's what the advertisements keep saying. Of course, like I said. I guess the hospitals aren't as altruistic.

Done it few times. Sometimes my iron levels are too low. I was also banned from donating for few years because I've lived in UK. Just recently found out that I shouldn't be banned and I can donate again.

I'm a mad cow BAHHHHHH!!!!!

I am not able to give blod since I have visited contries who have had mad cow incidences in the past 10 years for more than 6 months.
You mean the US, Canada the EU and most of Africa!
So far I've given 26 pints, missed the last three times as I could not get to the local sessions.

i would, but a) don't know where to give blood, and b) they probably wouldn't want it anyway :p

Well I have panic attacks whenever anyone gets near me with needles. I would like to donate and have tried counselling for the phobia but it doesn't seem to help. I doubt if my blood would be accepted anyway as I'm on a lot of medication.
Same here.

Done it few times. Sometimes my iron levels are too low. I was also banned from donating for few years because I've lived in UK. Just recently found out that I shouldn't be banned and I can donate again.

Why were you banned in the first place? Everyone in Britain has been donating blood continously

Why were you banned in the first place? Everyone in Britain has been donating blood continously
I guess you also check it for BSE in Britain. We don't.

In case it interests someone
You're not allowed to donate blood if you've stayed 6 months or more between 1980 and 1996 in UK (and some other countries).

I guess you also check it for BSE in Britain. We don't.

In case it interests someone
You're not allowed to donate blood if you've stayed 6 months or more between 1980 and 1996 in UK (and some other countries).
So what about all the cases of BSE in the US since and all the people that ate beef based products but were not resident?

Well I have panic attacks whenever anyone gets near me with needles. I would like to donate and have tried counselling for the phobia but it doesn't seem to help. I doubt if my blood would be accepted anyway as I'm on a lot of medication.
*chuckles evilly* Reminds of a friend. She couldn't stand the sight of needles or blood so of course I showed her every cut and scrape. Even the mention of it could set her off. Quite fun.

You mean the US, Canada the EU and most of Africa!
So far I've given 26 pints, missed the last three times as I could not get to the local sessions.


Actualy with the us and canada it's based on the distance form the infected area, I lived within fifty miles of an infection and thus was disqualified. Not that i mind since I developed a phobia of needles durring treatments for various serious childhood illnesses

*shudders* I usualy have no problems with horror or suspense films but in Ring2 the needle schen had me and the girl I was with hyperventalating. We both detest needles.

Actualy with the us and canada it's based on the distance form the infected area, I lived within fifty miles of an infection and thus was disqualified. Not that i mind since I developed a phobia of needles durring treatments for various serious childhood illnessesSee you can learn something on this forum, thanks.

So what about all the cases of BSE in the US since and all the people that ate beef based products but were not resident?
Can't remember if US was on the list of "some other countries". I guess they just decided that it's very unlikely that you'd have got BSE in shorter period of time. They have to draw the line somewhere.

Well, have you? Did it yesterday for the first time and it was pretty uneventful. Just wondering how many people on here have made the (very small) effort.

I've tried to, but I'm always refused because I've spent too much time in Europe since 1980. That's a pretty stupid rule. :rolleyes:

Well, have you? Did it yesterday for the first time and it was pretty uneventful. Just wondering how many people on here have made the (very small) effort.

I went to give blood once. They (politely) rejected my offer after the interview, on the grounds that I'm a vegetarian, and that that might mean I'm lacking in iron. Which I found ridiculous. :(

I'm guessing that's just because this is France, and we veggies are looked upon as weird. I wonder whether my blood would have been accepted in another country.

I went to give blood once. They (politely) rejected my offer after the interview, on the grounds that I'm a vegetarian, and that that might mean I'm lacking in iron. Which I found ridiculous. :(

I'm guessing that's just because this is France, and we veggies are looked upon as weird. I wonder whether my blood would have been accepted in another country.
huh? loonies. They test it around here.

I would donate since you get money(and I'm a whore for the money) but I have several disqualifying factors I already know about.

I would donate since you get money(and I'm a whore for the money) but I have several disqualifying factors I already know about.
The ARC won't pay you, but the private blood banks will. They usually just want platelettes, so you sell your plasma and get some fluid back. We used to do that twice a week in college for spending money. You're a much cheaper drunk after donating, too.

I went to give blood once. They (politely) rejected my offer after the interview, on the grounds that I'm a vegetarian, and that that might mean I'm lacking in iron. Which I found ridiculous. :(

I'm guessing that's just because this is France, and we veggies are looked upon as weird. I wonder whether my blood would have been accepted in another country.
In the U.S., we are asked about trips to Europe and how much beef we've eaten. I haven't been there, but I'm going to assume that it is screening out "Mad Cow" disease risks.

Why veggies are execluded is strange, the iron test is very simple and done every time, here. They drip a drop of blood into a vial and it's a float or sink test, fail or pass.

Maybe it was really your answers to the uprotected sex questions and the interviewer was too embarassed to say that.

The ARC won't pay you, but the private blood banks will. They usually just want platelettes, so you sell your plasma and get some fluid back. We used to do that twice a week in college for spending money. You're a much cheaper drunk after donating, too.
I'm aware you have to go to a private place. And there are several near me.

Sure, I give blood but only after they told us that if there was ever a major plane crash here in Iceland at our only international airport there would not be enough blood in the country to help our own sick and the injured foreigners so thats why I give blood.

no lie. i am addicted to it. i have given blood every 56 days for the last 11 years. i have also donated platelets and plasma. when i lived in norway, i even did it there. i took my bf at the time, and all 6 foot 5, angry black metaller of him fainted . it was hysterical.

no lie. i am addicted to it. i have given blood every 56 days for the last 11 years. i have also donated platelets and plasma. when i lived in norway, i even did it there. i took my bf at the time, and all 6 foot 5, angry black metaller of him fainted . it was hysterical.
i have to go to a private place in san diego though. i get tattooed too often for the red cross.

Yes I give blood and have a blood donor card. My blood is O+ RhD, the most common type in Ireland. :)

I've donated a gallon or so over the past four years. I only do so when there's a drive going on here at school, though; I don't really ever have the chance to schedule an appointment.

I've also donated a few times to this one research lab at the med school here that pays $40 for less than half a pint. Only trouble is, they'll tell you when they need a donor, which isn't too often.

I must admit, I do enjoy watching the big hulking types get all squeamish if and when they donate blood. :D

i havent :| not afraid of needels, but i just dont like sharp foreign objusect inside me :S

I'm a mad cow BAHHHHHH!!!!!

I am not able to give blood since I have visited contries who have had mad cow incidences in the past 10 years for more than 6 months.

Same here

I never could because my blood pressure was too low; but now that I've got it to normal I am seriously considering giving blood. The thought of it doesn't creep me out, so I guess I should. I should also figure out what my blood type is.

I cant right now, too young, but when I have the chance i will

Funny you ask. I just did this morning.

Yep, that's what the advertisements keep saying. Of course, like I said. I guess the hospitals aren't as altruistic.
They pay for plasma...I havent tried that...it takes a couple hours I think, and I never had the time. They dont pay for blood in my county, but I seem to remeber reading an advertisment as well, so maybe in another county, or another state.

I give regularly at Oklahoma Blood Institue. I'm B- and if I don't come in they always give me a call. Oddly enough, I can't get paid for it. The private places only want plasma. They refuse mine because of the medication I take. It doesn't seem to bother the place that takes whole blood. I assume the drugs would be more concentrated in plasma. Anybody actually know the reason?

They pay for plasma...I havent tried that...it takes a couple hours I think, and I never had the time. They dont pay for blood in my county, but I seem to remeber reading an advertisment as well, so maybe in another county, or another state.
When I was selling plasma in college, I think it was about $20/pint. For all you foreigners, that's an archaic unit of measure, mainly used for beer. When the bank had to keep the whole blood for some reason, I think they paid about $50/pint. But that disqualified one from selling for the next two months, I think.

Not allowed to give blood as I'm a gay/bi male.

i would love to sweetheart, but it's forbidden in both the states and the Uk for gay and bi men to give blood.

i would love to sweetheart, but it's forbidden in both the states and the Uk for gay and bi men to give blood.

Only if you've had sex recently with someone of the same sex, I believe.

The first time I gave blood, I fainted because I was right at the weight limit and I insisted I was over and alright to take a full pint. Then they informed me that they were able to take less than a full pint for people who were slightly underweight. Go figure. It was on Halloween too, so I didn't get to go to the parties I wanted to.

The next time, they took a smaller bag just to be sure. Unfortunately the needle moved around in the vein too much for my comfort, so I haven't given since then. I need all the blood I can make.