Blood-giving time!

**Donor** · 21st November 2007, 20:56

Well, I'm eligible to give blood again - how the time flies!

So I'm off to the blood giving place on Cavendish Drive tomorrow after work - and I invite anyone that wishes to, to meet up with me at my workplace in East Tamaki and ride to Manukau for the joy that is giving blood, eating chocolate biccies, and enjoying bottomless cups of orange cordial.

I know that gijoe1313 is in, being a newbie to the world of blood giving - onya J!!

Anyhoo, it's short notice but I don't care - if you give a damn, you'll give blood anytime!

You'll find me at the Botany ambulance station, Sir William Ave in East Tamaki - I finish at 1830 and will be jetting off pretty much straight away.

So, if you're keen then I'll see ya there!

(Centre is open til 2000, and the lasses will never turn away a healthy vein!)

**darkwolf** · 21st November 2007, 21:05

Is it true you can't donate if you lived in Britain between certain years - my case 1986-1995

**Donor** · 21st November 2007, 21:13

* Minor illness: Donors are required to feel well at the time of donation. A cold, flu or allergies may prevent someone from donating.
* Drugs/medications: Some medications, or the underlying cause for taking the medication may require a temporary deferral. If you are taking any drugs/medications and would like to give blood, please contact us for details.
* Dental work: Donors must wait at least 24 hours (and sometimes up to 7 days for uncomplicated extractions) after having dental work done, before they can give blood. The reason for this is the potential for micro-organisms to enter the blood creating the risk of septicemia i.e. an infection in the blood. The deferral allows such an infection to become symptomatic.
* Low haemoglobin counts: NZBS temporarily defers blood donors whose haemoglobin test falls below the standard of 120 g/L (females) and 130 g/L (males).
* Tattoos/body piercing: Donors must wait six months after having a tattoo or body piercing before donating blood. The reason for this temporary deferral is the increased risk of Hepatitis and other infections associated with tattoos and piercing. Other similar procedures that may fall under this category include acupuncture and electrolysis.
* Diabetes: If you have diabetes that is treated by diet you may be eligible to donate blood. It is important to note that each donor is different, and the use of certain medications or other underlying conditions may be cause for deferral. Final eligibility is determined by the staff at the donor clinic.
* Pregnancy: You will be deferred during pregnancy and 9 months after delivery or longer if still breast feeding, until 3 months after infant weaned.
* HIV high risk activities: Being the sexual partner of someone who has participated in high risk activities (other than the sexual partner of someone who has tested positive for HIV) will result in a deferral.
* Exposure to disease/geographical deferrals: Travel to areas where tropical diseases are endemic, e.g. malaria, may result in a temporary deferral.
* Recent major surgery: If you have had surgery recently, please speak to your local blood centre regarding your eligibility.
* Recent vaccinations: A few vaccinations may result in a temporary deferral. Please note that this information is subject to change. Final eligibility is determined by the staff at the donor clinic.
* Residency in UK, France or Ireland: You must not have lived in the United Kingdom, France or the Republic of Ireland between 1980 and 1996 for a cumulative period of 6 months or more.

To save a wasted visit, please check with the Blood Service if you have:

* Had an operation
* Had a tattoo or body piercing
* Been overseas
* Had a course of antibiotics or are currently taking medication
* Become pregnant.

**ynot slow** · 21st November 2007, 21:25

Had to laugh when I gave blood a few years ago and had to fill out the questioner,ticked all the boxs as yes where required,said to nurse how many guys tick the breast feeding question as yes instead of no,lots was reply.

After doing the donating thing for 20 years plus,having had chemo puts an end to it,but as a user of plasma during surgery(6 units)thank you to those who helped.

Can remember a couple of years ago in a bike mag when they did a huge blood run in Palmy North and areas,culminating with Aaron Slight leading the group into the square and out to hospital,with about 100 bikes,think it was 4 yrs ago,or it may have been a fundraiser for the rescue chopper as well.

**Usarka** · 21st November 2007, 21:26

last 3 visits they couldnt get a good flow on. took ages to hit the vein and then took ages to fill a bag (gave up on one attempt). been meaning to talk to a quack about that, the last time was certainly hydrated.

so give some for me, ive reluctantly given up....

ya never know when u or your family will need it in return

**Donor** · 21st November 2007, 21:28

Originally Posted by ynot slow

Can remember a couple of years ago in a bike mag when they did a huge blood run in Palmy North and areas,culminating with Aaron Slight leading the group into the square and out to hospital,with about 100 bikes,think it was 4 yrs ago,or it may have been a fundraiser for the rescue chopper as well.

I know that BRONZ do a Blood Run as well, and I could just as easily tag along, but I give blood for my own personal reason, so find it makes me feel better if I initiate the journey to the comfy chair (and DAMN they are comfy!) without feeling obliged other than the fact blood transfusions mean I am here today.

:edit: That makes fugg all sense... but I understand it, that's the main thing!

**crashe** · 21st November 2007, 21:31

Originally Posted by Donor

* Minor illness: Donors are required to feel well at the time of donation. A cold, flu or allergies may prevent someone from donating.
* Drugs/medications: Some medications, or the underlying cause for taking the medication may require a temporary deferral. If you are taking any drugs/medications and would like to give blood, please contact us for details.
* Dental work: Donors must wait at least 24 hours (and sometimes up to 7 days for uncomplicated extractions) after having dental work done, before they can give blood. The reason for this is the potential for micro-organisms to enter the blood creating the risk of septicemia i.e. an infection in the blood. The deferral allows such an infection to become symptomatic.
* Low haemoglobin counts: NZBS temporarily defers blood donors whose haemoglobin test falls below the standard of 120 g/L (females) and 130 g/L (males).
* Tattoos/body piercing: Donors must wait six months after having a tattoo or body piercing before donating blood. The reason for this temporary deferral is the increased risk of Hepatitis and other infections associated with tattoos and piercing. Other similar procedures that may fall under this category include acupuncture and electrolysis.
* Diabetes: If you have diabetes that is treated by diet you may be eligible to donate blood. It is important to note that each donor is different, and the use of certain medications or other underlying conditions may be cause for deferral. Final eligibility is determined by the staff at the donor clinic.
* Pregnancy: You will be deferred during pregnancy and 9 months after delivery or longer if still breast feeding, until 3 months after infant weaned.
* HIV high risk activities: Being the sexual partner of someone who has participated in high risk activities (other than the sexual partner of someone who has tested positive for HIV) will result in a deferral.
* Exposure to disease/geographical deferrals: Travel to areas where tropical diseases are endemic, e.g. malaria, may result in a temporary deferral.
* Recent major surgery: If you have had surgery recently, please speak to your local blood centre regarding your eligibility.
* Recent vaccinations: A few vaccinations may result in a temporary deferral. Please note that this information is subject to change. Final eligibility is determined by the staff at the donor clinic.
* Residency in UK, France or Ireland: You must not have lived in the United Kingdom, France or the Republic of Ireland between 1980 and 1996 for a cumulative period of 6 months or more.

To save a wasted visit, please check with the Blood Service if you have:

* Had an operation
* Had a tattoo or body piercing
* Been overseas
* Had a course of antibiotics or are currently taking medication
* Become pregnant.

You have missed one group out on your list that cannot give blood.

* Homosexual's - cannot give blood what so ever. Even if they are as healthy as. Under the law in NZ, gay's are prohibited to donate blood.

**0arbreaka** · 21st November 2007, 21:32

I had a wedge resection on my big toe a while back, does that count as surgery? If not then im keen, I heard they give out free cookies afterwards.. Working the late shift tomorow night so I might have to do it sometime before hand.

**Usarka** · 21st November 2007, 21:38

The tea and biscuit session rocks. i always feel guilty after the 4th bikky

they used to give half a pint 'o guiness in ireland....

**darkwolf** · 21st November 2007, 21:41

It sucks - I'd love to give blood - just not allowed in NZ and I'm not paying for a plane ticket to the UK just to bleed.

**Kickaha** · 22nd November 2007, 05:45

Originally Posted by crashe

* Homosexual's - cannot give blood what so ever. Even if they are as healthy as. Under the law in NZ, gay's are prohibited to donate blood.

Are you sure that is correct? there's nothing to indicate that on the paperwork you do when you donate

Originally Posted by 0arbreaka

I heard they give out free cookies afterwards..

I only go for the biscuits

**Trudes** · 22nd November 2007, 06:14

I have heamochromotisis, would they want my iron heavy blood? Maybe they could give it to someone who's anemic???

**ynot slow** · 22nd November 2007, 06:46

Originally Posted by Donor

I know that BRONZ do a Blood Run as well, and I could just as easily tag along, but I give blood for my own personal reason, so find it makes me feel better if I initiate the journey to the comfy chair (and DAMN they are comfy!) without feeling obliged other than the fact blood transfusions mean I am here today.

:edit: That makes fugg all sense... but I understand it, that's the main thing!

No problems with that,I started as part of work doing it(100plus employees)and mum did give blood.

Some people feel the need to go with a group so can't pull out lol.

**Devil** · 22nd November 2007, 07:05

I dont give blood cos I'm a wuss. But definately an organ donor.

Dad however, has given his 99th blood donation and will be up for the 100 sometime shortly.

**Blue Thunder** · 22nd November 2007, 07:47

Originally Posted by Donor

I know that BRONZ do a Blood Run as well, and I could just as easily tag along, but I give blood for my own personal reason, so find it makes me feel better if I initiate the journey to the comfy chair (and DAMN they are comfy!) without feeling obliged other than the fact blood transfusions mean I am here today.

:edit: That makes fugg all sense... but I understand it, that's the main thing!

Allow me to assist with your donation, you can stay in your comfy chair and I shall come and bleed you dry

However me thinks that there may not be enough blood left in your alcohol stream to make a decent enough donation