Question about giving blood

[gritsar]

Not sure if this belongs here or in RR, so mods. please move if need be.
The local law enforcement officers and the fire depts. are having their yearly blood drive to see which group can give the most blood. DH's appt. is scheduled for this coming Wednesday.
I used to give blood all the time. In fact, they would test my hemaglobin and then ask me to do a double donation - where they take out two units of red blood cells and give you back the plasma, via a machine - because I would have such a high hematocrit. I would actually feel a ton better after I got rid of some of that extra hemaglobin.
Last year when DH donated I couldn't because I was on antibiotics at the time.
This year I would like to go with him and try to donate. I had a patch of anemia last winter, but I'm back to having high hemaglobin again. It was just checked in the doctor's office last week.
However, I am now on alot of meds. that I wasn't in years past. Do that automatically exclude me or would it depend on what type of meds?
Anybody know?

 

[Imp]

gritsar,
It depends on the meds. You might be able to find out at the organization, collecting the blood's, website. Otherwise ask.

Imp

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
K, Imp. Thanks. I'll just go with him, was planning on it anyhow and ask. It's the same organization I used to donate to, so I have my card somewhere.

 

[mtnhomechick]

I would like to know the answer to that too. I have one med I take daily ...... for life. I used to give blood and I quit because I went on the med.

Do you ever worry about picking up hepatitis or HIV? I hate to admit it but I kinda do worry about that. A little incompetence could go a long way.

 

[redhen]

Yeah..i think its the type of meds youre on. Although with you being anemic last year..i dont know if i'd give 2 pints..Be safe.

 

[Marlinchaser]

You will have to go through a screening process, where they will ask all sorts of questions.

If on any medicines, taken any drugs legal/illegal ever shared needle, ever had sex for money, if you have traveled to certain countries during certain years. if you had diareah or fever in past 48 hours. any type of surgery etc... basically same questions you have to answer before being treated at a doctors office.

 

[Imp]

It was a couple years ago when I looked. I'm on 4 meds and all were OK. In fact I was surprised at how few meds were a problem.
I don't believe there is any risk of hep or HIV if you are donating blood, as long as they aren't reusing dirty needles. And I don't think many places reuse needles. I think most if not all use disposable.

Imp- What's dumb is that I still haven't followed through after 2 years, and I work in the hospital. And would get paid to donate. Bad Imp, Bad Imp

 

[Marlinchaser]

Quote:
No they use ALL new needles etc.... or at least the bloodbank I give to does, if they started reusing anything, I am out of there. If its a traveling blood drive its most likely red cross and they use all new

 

[Marlinchaser]

Another disqualifier is have you had any piercings or tatoos in the past year. If you did we want to see.

 

[Marlinchaser]

this is where I go will give you a good Idea of what will be asked.

http://www.delmarvablood.org/donor_requirements.html