NZ Blood Keyrings [Archive] - Kiwi Biker forums

Soul.Trader

17th February 2009, 19:39

LAst time I gave blood, I was given a keyring with my blood type on it. I didn't think much of it at the time, but while riding my bike tonight I saw the big red "Blood type O+" hanging from my keychain and realised that this is something every biker should have.

In a serious motorcycle accident, almost invariably blood is needed during treatment. I'm sure most of you keep your blood card in your wallet, and many of you probably write your blood type in your jacket. None the less, it doesn't hurt to have it one more place - especially somewhere that's always close to you when you crash. For riders carrying a pillion you could have two, and label one "him" and the other "her".

Anywho, thought it might be of some interest. Here's a couple of pics, sorry about the poor photography.

Skyryder

17th February 2009, 19:43

Highlander

17th February 2009, 19:44

They give the key rings out for your second donation.

They still have to test and give you the right blood though, the keys in your possession might not be yours. You could have been on my bike, I could have been on my wifes bike....

McJim

17th February 2009, 19:50

Starky307

17th February 2009, 19:56

Don't F1 drivers have their blood type tattooed to their backsides?
Aparantly it's the lest likely place to loose all the skin or be burnt off. I think I read that somewhere but I may have just thought it up.:shake:

Mully

17th February 2009, 20:08

They give the key rings out for your second donation.

Fuckers, they didn't give me one. I want all my blood back.

Although, my card is always in my wallet, which is more likely to be with me in the hospital than my bike keys if the worst happens.

klingon

17th February 2009, 20:23

Interesting idea. I was a blood donor for years (in the days before they invented keyrings) :rolleyes: They don't want my blood any more, but I might just see if I can get myself a keyring...

MadDuck

17th February 2009, 20:28

They wont take my blood as I was stupid enough to spend time in the UK in the late 80s early 90s. So I guess if I need some no key ring is going to help me.

LardEmbargo

17th February 2009, 20:30

They still have to test and give you the right blood though

yeah, and if there's time to cross-match then they'll be able to give you the appropriate flavour based on the results. I'm guessing if they *do* have time then they'll go by cross-matching rather than details you've provided on anything you happen to be carrying, have tattooed on your butt or whatever, just to be sure.

If you've got particularly complicated blood then carrying something that says so might be an idea, but you might be best off with putting the information on something immediately recognisable to people doing the medic-ing - like a MedicAlert tag frinstance.

If there isn't time to do cross-matching (like, in an emergency after a nasty off) maybe they just give you O Negative? Universal donor and all that, best chance in a pinch.

Patrick

17th February 2009, 20:32

Patrick

17th February 2009, 20:33

They wont take my blood as I was stupid enough to spend time in the UK in the late 80s early 90s. So I guess if I need some no key ring is going to help me.

That'll be the mad cow disease... I thought you were OK...

McJim

17th February 2009, 20:34

A Scotsman GIVING blood???? Blardy funny.....

It's coz I lived in blighty - they think I have mad cow's disease....mind you, I did pick a few of them up in the nightclubs in the 80s come to think of it....they may have a point...:rofl:

klingon

17th February 2009, 20:37

They don't want mine because I had cancer. Picky picky picky. Just one little tumour and they get all antsy about it... :Oops:

Highlander

17th February 2009, 20:41

If there isn't time to do cross-matching (like, in an emergency after a nasty off) maybe they just give you O Negative? Universal donor and all that, best chance in a pinch.

If I remember my 6th form Human Bio correctly (and that was a LOT of years ago) O- they can give to anyone but any other blood type if they don't give you the same as what is already falling out of you it causes clotting - not just stop the leak clotting but stop the flow clotting.

MadDuck

17th February 2009, 20:42

That'll be the mad cow disease... I thought you were OK...

Dont believe everything you read. I am truely MAD!

Patrick

17th February 2009, 20:42

It's coz I lived in blighty - they think I have mad cow's disease....mind you, I did pick a few of them up in the nightclubs in the 80s come to think of it....they may have a point...:rofl:

Explains things a bit...??? Ya mad cow....:Pokey:

I've got the good stuff that everyone can use.... but I can only use the same type as me. Mine goes to the Paediatrics... but the bastards are never around when I try to give blood down here. In Auckland, they chased me down every three months.... damn vampires....

Ocean1

17th February 2009, 20:44

They wont take my blood as I was stupid enough to spend time in the UK in the late 80s early 90s. So I guess if I need some no key ring is going to help me.

It's coz I lived in blighty - they think I have mad cow's disease....mind you, I did pick a few of them up in the nightclubs in the 80s come to think of it....they may have a point...:rofl:

Likewise.

That, and I pass out, and they have to spend a lot of time reviving me. :rolleyes:

LardEmbargo

17th February 2009, 20:51

It's coz I lived in blighty -

they don't want much of mine since my sojourn in the MFUK either :\

- they think I have mad cow's disease....mind you, I did pick a few of them up in the nightclubs in the 80s come to think of it....

have you been watching the news though? It's got much worse. You probably got the best of them back in 1982, these days they've all got fat cow disease instead. It's chavtastic

Skunk

17th February 2009, 22:00

I clip mine to my jacket.

Gremlin

17th February 2009, 23:00

I can't remember what my first looked like, but it wore out, so I just asked for another. Mine is oval, I think its the one before the current rectangular one.

Yep, they chase you like Vampires in Auckland :laugh:

I should actually donate again... pretty sure I can.

munster

18th February 2009, 05:58

44 donations & counting and I don't have a keyring. I want one, looks like a good idea.

Nasty

18th February 2009, 06:36

They don't want mine because I had cancer. Picky picky picky. Just one little tumour and they get all antsy about it... :Oops:

I know ... bugger them they don't want mine cos I have MS .. its not like its been proven to be bloody borne .. in fact you can't catch it!!! .. totally picky!

yungatart

18th February 2009, 07:18

I've got one of those, had it for about 10 years, I guess.
The only thing that concerns me is Mstrs often drives my car, and he is a different blood group to me...

Mully

18th February 2009, 07:23

The only thing that concerns me is Mstrs often drives my car, and he is a different blood group to me...

Do they not have your name on them? The card does. Maybe that's why they stopped giving them out.

Miss Mully can't give blood either, cos she was born in England (bad Springsteen knockoff there).

but not cos she's a mad cow.....

Mom

18th February 2009, 07:23

That'll be the mad cow disease... I thought you were OK...

She is a MAD Duck, not a mad cow, although some days I wonder about that too...:dodge:

PrincessBandit

18th February 2009, 07:27

I wonder how to go about finding out my blood type then?

I can't use the blood service in NZ coz they won't talk to me.

I can't get registered with a doctor coz they're all full.

I suppose I'd better just guess eh?

I found mine out via my gynae / maternity records. Just have a baby then you'll know in no time!...... :p
The keyring idea is good, but it's also another good reason for an ICE card. Would be the sort of info to have on one of those.
Note to self, must organise card. :slap:

Okey Dokey

18th February 2009, 07:41

but it's also another good reason for an ICE card. Would be the sort of info to have on one of those.
Note to self, must organise card. :slap:

I read about putting ICE on your cellphone here on kb (and did it) but what is an ICE card, please?

I can't donate for the same reasons as Ocean- visit to UK and passing out.

vifferman

18th February 2009, 07:49

I've had a key ring like that for a few years now. I use it as a Pollution Monitor: it takes about two weeks of communtering for it to become all grey and unhealthy looking. :eek5:
Dunno how many times I've given blood (lost track shifting from Hamilton to Chch to Roundabouta to D'Auckland), but it'd be somewhere in the region of 40 - 50 times. It's a piece of piss.
Or to be more precise, it's usually a cup of tea and three chocolate biscuits.

sunhuntin

18th February 2009, 12:00

I know ... bugger them they don't want mine cos I have MS .. its not like its been proven to be bloody borne .. in fact you can't catch it!!! .. totally picky!

when i was working at warehouse, one woman came back. shes got ms as well. before she started, each shift had a letter, from her, read out. in it, it clearly stated that its NOT contagious. so i can just imagine the uptight cows treating her like a leper and making her feel really uncomfortable. unfortunately, she can only do a few hours a day, but shes really nice.

and this thread is a good reminder that i must find out my blood type.

Beemer

18th February 2009, 14:16

I got one of the key rings last time I donated and keep it with my car keys as I drive the car more than ride. I also have my blood donor card in my wallet. I'm going to pick up another keyring next time I go so I can have one on the bike too.

I'm B- so they like my blood - only 2% of NZers are B- apparently. Unfortunately they only get my blood every four months or so and only then if my ferritin levels are over 50. I've got haemochromatosis (my body stores iron to potentially fatal levels) and have to have blood removed to keep the ferritin levels about normal. I had three venesections last year and now my ferritin is just 38 (at the lower end of normal) so I could become anaemic if they take any off right now. Doesn't stop them ringing me up every month or so though!

Patrick

18th February 2009, 16:31

I found mine out via my gynae / maternity records. Just have a baby then you'll know in no time!......

:gob: How am I gonna spit it out then??????????? :sweatdrop:sweatdrop

A simple blood test is so much easier...:bleh:

and this thread is a good reminder that i must find out my blood type.

Have a baby and find out, apparently....:woohoo:

MIXONE

18th February 2009, 16:44

:gob: How am I gonna spit it out then??????????? :sweatdrop:sweatdrop

A simple blood test is so much easier...:bleh:

Have a baby and find out, apparently....:woohoo:

It's the getting it in there that worries me.

Patrick

18th February 2009, 16:57

It's the getting it in there that worries me.

My brain hurts... horrible thoughts..... Worries? Terrifies!!!!

Squid

18th February 2009, 18:59

I've been riding with a blood tag on my keys for while (ok 2 years I'm only 20)
Mostly coz its a handy sized tag for a bike key and stays in quite nicly and 100mumble mumble kph.

I have no idea weather they would look at that in the event of a off, as its been said it could be anyones keys/bike. I suspect they would test your blood type and give you the approved flavor....

James Deuce

18th February 2009, 19:01

It'll just flap around and take all the paint off the upper clamp.

Mully

18th February 2009, 19:06

It'll just flap around and take all the paint off the upper clamp.

Sorry, are we still talking about having babies??

James Deuce

18th February 2009, 19:07

If you like.

Squid

18th February 2009, 19:17

It'll just flap around and take all the paint off the upper clamp.

Nah bo, they soft rubbery like things. Yeah ok that sounds dodgy... :Oops:

McJim

18th February 2009, 20:45

I found mine out via my gynae / maternity records. Just have a baby then you'll know in no time!.
Well thanks to fermented products I look pregnant. I already have to fantastic wee boys so I'll have to find a phlebotomist.

James Deuce

18th February 2009, 20:48

Nah bo, they soft rubbery like things. Yeah ok that sounds dodgy... :Oops:
Heh! Rubber. If I wasn't so old I'm sure that would have some meaning!

Over the years though (old Old OLD) I've noticed that even keyring sheep soft toys made of wool will happily wear the paint off. Consequently I've given up key rings for the bike. I have a bike key with the disc lock key cable tied to it so it sticks straight up. I reckon a bike with a shabby cockpit is harder to sell than one with a pristine upper triple clamp.

Squid

18th February 2009, 21:57

Heh! Rubber. If I wasn't so old I'm sure that would have some meaning!

Over the years though (old Old OLD) I've noticed that even keyring sheep soft toys made of wool will happily wear the paint off. Consequently I've given up key rings for the bike. I have a bike key with the disc lock key cable tied to it so it sticks straight up. I reckon a bike with a shabby cockpit is harder to sell than one with a pristine upper triple clamp.

not even going to ask what you where doing with a soft woolen sheep :whistle: All round the ignition area on my bike is all metal and a little plastic anyways, no paint. Bike for sale btw if anyones interested...

Squid

23rd February 2009, 08:32

I emailed the NZ Blood service saying I rode a motorbike and that if I was in a crash and had a blood keyring what they would do. This is what was sent to me in return:

I do not think in this situation anybody will take much notice of the blood group on your key ring.

If you need blood transfusion before a sample of blood can be collected from you and blood group can be determined with certainty blood bank will issue only group O negative blood for transfusion. We will do this because transfusion of blood of wrong blood group can cause serious transfusion reaction and the blood group on the key ring is not a very reliable source of information. On the other hand group O negative blood can be transfused safely to most people.

Thank you again for your interest.

Yours sincerely,

Dr S Ghosh
Transfusion Medicine Specialist

sunhuntin

23rd February 2009, 09:12

Have a baby and find out, apparently....:woohoo:

ok, so i have a baby and find out the blood type. wtf do i do with the baby after that??

might just ask next time im at the docs for any reason if they can tell me.

chanceyy

23rd February 2009, 11:45

hmm donated many a time & never been given a key ring either .. may have to ask for one or two :)

RH B- as well so they love my blood :yes:

<Rhino>

23rd February 2009, 12:41

Well thanks to fermented products I look pregnant. I already have to fantastic wee boys so I'll have to find a phlebotomist.

:laugh: Most people don't even know what a phlebotomist is let alone be able to spell the word! hats off to you man.

I am a phlebotomist team leader, and can tell you with some certanty that if you go into your community lab and self request your blood type you can have a simple blood test and know your blood type in a few days. Be warned that if you self request you will most likely have to pay for the test, down here in wellytown its about 25 bucks. If you ask your doctor to do it for you, you may have to pay also as generally these tests are not covered by helathpac funding (in wellytown anyway) Blood grouping is not done routinely except for pre-surgery and maternity so chances are if you don't fall into that group it won't be on file. Its been said to death about the blood cross mathing and stuff - all very true, they will not take notice of a keyring - I just wonder why they even bother giving them away if they know they don't take notice of them! :2guns:

I had my blood group tattoed on my arm when I was in the army - not through worrying about an accident here - more like if anything happend overseas in a lesser developed country! :sunny:

Little Miss Trouble

23rd February 2009, 13:38

Heres an idea, why not have the option to have it listed on your drivers license next to the bit where it lists you as a donor(or not)?

Patrick

23rd February 2009, 15:22

Heres an idea, why not have the option to have it listed on your drivers license next to the bit where it lists you as a donor(or not)?

Waaaaaaay too logical. Cut that crap out now Missy, OK???????

orographic

23rd February 2009, 18:40

If I remember my 6th form Human Bio correctly (and that was a LOT of years ago) O- they can give to anyone but any other blood type if they don't give you the same as what is already falling out of you it causes clotting - not just stop the leak clotting but stop the flow clotting.
Hmm, I was under the impression, that it more causes an immune reaction against the blood .... kinda not good when you need said blood to remain in the land of the living
... * looks it up*

from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_type) "If an individual is exposed to a blood group antigen that is not recognised as self, the immune system will produce antibodies that can specifically bind to that particular blood group antigen, and an immunological memory against that antigen is formed. The individual will have become sensitized to that blood group antigen. These antibodies can bind to antigens on the surface of transfused red blood cells (or other tissue cells), often leading to destruction of the cells by recruitment of other components of the immune system. When IgM antibodies bind to the transfused cells, the transfused cells can clump. It is vital that compatible blood is selected for transfusions and that compatible tissue is selected for organ transplantation. Transfusion reactions involving minor antigens or weak antibodies may lead to minor problems. However, more serious incompatibilities can lead to a more vigorous immune response with massive RBC destruction, low blood pressure, and even death."

*edit* then again it helps if i read the rest of the thread