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Blood donation, supplies very low

24

Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 52 ✭✭High-Tower


    Just a quick question....

    I`ve done the quiz on the website to see if Im eligible to donate but there is no mention of people who have had the Jaundice....

    Is this still a no-no for donation ???

    Thx for the reply


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,593 ✭✭✭barry181091


    Can I give blood ?

    I was in Zambia last March, Do I have to wait until March ? I looked at a few maps and they suggested Zambia wasnt an officially Malaria area, Didn't look too much into it though.

    EDIT: Nevermind, I was looking at South America, Not Africa, Haha :D I always get them mixed up !


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,923 ✭✭✭vektarman


    High-Tower wrote: »
    Just a quick question....

    I`ve done the quiz on the website to see if Im eligible to donate but there is no mention of people who have had the Jaundice....

    Is this still a no-no for donation ???

    Thx for the reply
    Can I give blood ?

    I was in Zambia last March, Do I have to wait until March ? I looked at a few maps and they suggested Zambia wasnt an officially Malaria area, Didn't look too much into it though.

    EDIT: Nevermind, I was looking at South America, Not Africa, Haha :D I always get them mixed up !

    As these are very specific questions it might be best to give them a ring on 1850731137

    Edit: Just saw your edit Barry.


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 90,537 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    I've never given blood before. I felt light headed when I had 4 vials of blood taken when I was pregnant and would hate to go only to faint and waste time. Is it often people faint? Anything specific you can do to lessen the chances of fainting?
    full meal and plenty of COLD drinks on the day

    don't take a hot bath or go jogging that evening either ;)


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,572 ✭✭✭WeeBushy


    I unfortunately can never give blood as I have worked with monkeys. Its a real pity as I remember when I was younger my dad would come home after giving blood and it struck me as the most amazing thing you can do; make a real difference in someone else's life without having to do all that much yourself.

    It was the first thing I did when I turned 18. I definitely urge anyone who can to do so. As corny as it sounds, you are giving the gift of life.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 113 ✭✭baubl


    If you can't go yourself then nag your friends ;)

    Don't forget 2 hours free parking in Fleet Street AND you get tea and bickies and other munchies afterwards

    http://www.giveblood.ie/Current_Blood_Supply/

    Blood Group/Days Blood Supply Remaining

    O+ Blood supply 5 days
    O- Blood supply 4 days
    A+ Blood supply 5 days
    A- Blood supply 3 days
    B+ Blood supply 5 days
    B- Blood supply 7 days

    AB+ Blood supply 9 days
    AB- Blood supply 9 days

    where around the country are they taking the blood, as alot of the problem with the shortage of blood, must be that people who normally give can not get to the venue due to the bad roads or these centres are too far away


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 90,537 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    baubl wrote: »
    where around the country are they taking the blood, as alot of the problem with the shortage of blood, must be that people who normally give can not get to the venue due to the bad roads or these centres are too far away
    Check out here

    http://www.giveblood.ie/Where_to_Give_Blood/


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 4,665 Mod ✭✭✭✭Tree


    High-Tower wrote: »
    Just a quick question....

    I`ve done the quiz on the website to see if Im eligible to donate but there is no mention of people who have had the Jaundice....

    Is this still a no-no for donation ???

    Thx for the reply

    Depends on when you had the jaundice. Any jaundice post ten or thirteen years old is a definite no-no. Not sure off hand on the lower limit. This jaundice rule is to remove folks who may have hep b or c.
    I've never given blood before. I felt light headed when I had 4 vials of blood taken when I was pregnant and would hate to go only to faint and waste time. Is it often people faint? Anything specific you can do to lessen the chances of fainting?
    If you are likely to faint, you probably shouldnt donate. Or leave donating until the clinics are less busy. If you do faint, it will take up time as you will have to be supervised until you are well enough to be sent on your way. Come donate another time though, this batch of people wont be able to donate in two months, so you can fill in their places.
    Out of interest, you don't need to know your blood type before you go do you? Because I don't know what mine is.
    no, no need. They type every unit themselves, safest way to do things.


  • Registered Users Posts: 294 ✭✭maclek


    I'm an irregular donor, probably been a year since I last gave. They sent me a text a few years ago reminding me I was ready to give again so I did. They haven't sent me a text since then. Seems like hitting the eligile past donors with reminder texts would be a very sensible thing to do when stocks are down. Maybe it's just me.

    I'll give stillorgan a call tomorrow to see when they can take me. It's a fun outing with the kids!


  • Registered Users Posts: 10,846 ✭✭✭✭eth0_


    I'd love to donate but alas I have tainted blood from living in the UK. I'll just give blood next time i'm in Belfast or the UK.

    Doctors on this thread - is it true that the IBTS sometimes buy blood from their counterparts in N. Ireland?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 672 ✭✭✭items


    First I've heard of shortage, I've just had a quick look at site I was linked to from announcement so far I am eligible, no real location and dates in Louth. It just highlights Ardee on the 10th?

    I will be in Drogheda tomorrow, anyone know if I can just call into Lourdes and have it done there? If so I'll do it tomorrow.


  • Registered Users Posts: 14,163 ✭✭✭✭danniemcq


    I have given blood in the past with no problem at all, however last time i went to donate i was told i couldn't because i'm allergic to nuts. This never was a problem before and i had been ging blood for a few years and always told them.

    Does anyone know if this was because i had an overly careful person last time or is it something new?


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,814 ✭✭✭Vorsprung


    eth0_ wrote: »
    I'd love to donate but alas I have tainted blood from living in the UK. I'll just give blood next time i'm in Belfast or the UK.

    Doctors on this thread - is it true that the IBTS sometimes buy blood from their counterparts in N. Ireland?

    They've bought blood from the Netherlands in the past, not sure about the UK. They also source some of their blood products from America (I think their Anti-D comes from a cohort in Colarado).


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 4,665 Mod ✭✭✭✭Tree


    items wrote: »
    First I've heard of shortage, I've just had a quick look at site I was linked to from announcement so far I am eligible, no real location and dates in Louth. It just highlights Ardee on the 10th?

    I will be in Drogheda tomorrow, anyone know if I can just call into Lourdes and have it done there? If so I'll do it tomorrow.

    You can only donate at IBTS clinics, they have the required equipment, hospitals do not.
    Vorsprung wrote: »
    They've bought blood from the Netherlands in the past, not sure about the UK. They also source some of their blood products from America (I think their Anti-D comes from a cohort in Colarado).
    Indeed a number of blood products are sourced in america, for a number of reasons including increased safety and the costs involved in specialist products, (the US is a cjd-free zone for example). But the basic red blood pack is manufactured in Ireland.


  • Registered Users Posts: 424 ✭✭SinisterDexter


    That 3 month rule is really screwing with me, will give them a ring to see if they will take me. Other than that I have signed up for an appointment for the palettes thanks to this thread!
    Good Job!

    SwingKing - If you are going to D'Olier St, bring your camera for long shots of O'Connell st.


  • Registered Users Posts: 250 ✭✭aidan.connolly


    Hi ,

    I have only given blood once, and now I donate Platelet every month. The staff in the IBTS in James Hospital are very helpful.
    The two bit of advice they gave me are , eat before you go there, and try not to drink coffee before you go for your appointment to Donate Platelets.

    I would encourage everyone who can donate Blood or Platelets to do so .
    I have a very big fear of needles, but after my sister had Cancer treatment in 2009, I knew I had to go.

    Aidan


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,468 ✭✭✭Doozie


    I went to give blood yesterday in D'Olier st after work. When I arrived a fellow blood giver said it would be about an hour and a half wait. So I sat down, filled out my form and then qued in another que. When I was called they had given me the wrong form so had to go back and reque to be interviewed so after that she said it would be another hour. Potentially it would have been 2 hours total. I hadn't banked on it being that long so had to go.
    I'll go back next week but will make an appointment which you can do on their website.
    They were very nice and apologetic and its for a good cause so anyone going just make an appointment. (they were not making appointments at the desk though)


  • Registered Users Posts: 87 ✭✭elleelle19


    They are obviously getting a good response to their call for donors, went down to Stillorgan today and was told they couldn't take me cause they where to busy. Had to make and appointment for another day


  • Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Music Moderators, Regional Midlands Moderators Posts: 24,124 Mod ✭✭✭✭Angron


    Is it possible to donate blood if you are on anti-depressants? It's just I've always wanted to donate blood, but I'm not sure if I'll be eligable due to this.


  • Registered Users Posts: 255 ✭✭oh well


    went last night to give my pint as usual and 3 hour wait. went back at 9pm and still a 3 hr wait. The call for doners is working but they haven't put on any extra clinics or extra staff :confused: couldn't wait that long either time - kids, babysitters, bedtime, etc. Its another month before they are anywhere in my area now. Its a major pity they don't do daytime clinics say once a week in the larger hospitals. This is my first time in over 7 years I won't have given it every 90 days like clockwork. Must be only Dublin that takes appointments - never heard of that before


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  • Registered Users Posts: 21,404 ✭✭✭✭Alun


    When I lived in the Netherlands they used to send invites / appointments to all registered donors based on actual and forecast demand for particular blood types. Sometimes I could be called up only once a year (I'm a rather boring O+) sometimes twice, whereas my wife (a more interesting O-) was called up more often. Sounds like a much more sensible way of managing things to me than relying on chance.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,073 ✭✭✭sam34


    Denny M wrote: »
    Is it possible to donate blood if you are on anti-depressants? It's just I've always wanted to donate blood, but I'm not sure if I'll be eligable due to this.

    best bet is to phone them and ask, rather than turn up, queue and then be turned away


  • Registered Users Posts: 29 hans_moleman


    not sure if anyone else has had this experience but here goes.

    went to give blood last night, queued about half an hour. at one stage a nurse came in and counted everyone in the waiting room, then let off a big sigh. then just before a nurse was about to stick a needle in me, another nurse comes over to inform her that about 15 more people had come in. she let off another sigh. obviously i understand they are human and it was getting close to the time the clinic was due to close but seriously. i thought nursing was more of a vocation that a job :confused:
    if they dont want donors then stop making appeals for them. if they do feel to need to moan and gripe could they at least make it less obvious. this isnt an isolated incident either, on another occasion a group of us from work went, and while conversing with a nurse i informed her of this, her jaw nearly dropped. she then quizzed me on how many more were due to attend before checking her watch.

    summary: stop making people feel bad for attending and giving blood, they should be more grateful


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,691 ✭✭✭Lia_lia


    I would absolutely love to give blood. But can't because of the living in England thing.


  • Registered Users Posts: 161 ✭✭GradMed


    not sure if anyone else has had this experience but here goes.

    went to give blood last night, queued about half an hour. at one stage a nurse came in and counted everyone in the waiting room, then let off a big sigh. then just before a nurse was about to stick a needle in me, another nurse comes over to inform her that about 15 more people had come in. she let off another sigh. obviously i understand they are human and it was getting close to the time the clinic was due to close but seriously. i thought nursing was more of a vocation that a job :confused:
    if they dont want donors then stop making appeals for them. if they do feel to need to moan and gripe could they at least make it less obvious. this isnt an isolated incident either, on another occasion a group of us from work went, and while conversing with a nurse i informed her of this, her jaw nearly dropped. she then quizzed me on how many more were due to attend before checking her watch.

    summary: stop making people feel bad for attending and giving blood, they should be more grateful

    They do want donors and, I've found, are very grateful to those attending. I've given blood quite a few times and the phlebotomists I've had have always been courteous, professional and always happy to have a chat with you. On Monday when I donated I was thanked 4 or 5 times for coming. The phlebotomist had started working at 9 in the morning, would not be leaving until 9 that night and he hadn't stepped outside the building since he began work. He'd also been working all weekend and wouldn't have a day off until Thursday. They're working long hours, with a substantial workload, so perhaps at times they may not show their gratitude or even appear ungrateful but as you said, they're only human.


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,691 ✭✭✭ciaran76


    Gave blood last night but I got there late because of work reasons.
    Arrived at 8.40pm and left at 11.45pm.

    To be honest I would have been at home watching the football or playing PS3. So took the phone out read a few threads on here and listened to the football on the radio.

    I am lucky have no real responsibilities like kids or stuff so its a few hours out of my life that hopefully will help someone who really needs it.

    Oh and the staff were really polite and nice.


  • Registered Users Posts: 54 ✭✭The.Q


    oh well wrote: »
    Must be only Dublin that takes appointments - never heard of that before
    Must say, this is the first I ever heard of appointments. I've given blood in Sligo Mobile clinic since I was 18 (21 years, 43 donations), but they only come here 3-4 times a year, and there's never been any appointments that I'm aware of.

    The last time I went to donate, I was waiting 25-30 minutes just to be registered, and having waited a further 45 minutes I still hadn't been seen to have my iron levels checked, I had to go as I had family committments. However, I e-mailed the IBTS, and a very nice woman contacted me within a couple of days apologising, and explaining that they are attempting to change the way in which the take donations, but the re-organisation of the work is taking a while to implement (I got the impression, although she never said, that there were IR issues).

    I'll still return when they next have a clinic here, though, I'm going for the 50 donations and then I might meet the (next) President when s/he presents with my gold drop or whatever it is.


  • Registered Users Posts: 21,013 ✭✭✭✭Mushy


    Was supposed to have a donation on 25th for platelets, but switched it to the 20th just there. Originally did 25th cos of potential session on 19th, but screw that this much more important. Oddly enough I've grown to hate needles now since starting to donate blood(3.5 years ago). Lot of my friends too lazy to give blood:(


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 45 RuthyB


    I gave my first donation in St. Finbarr's last night. And its true, ya do get a 'kick' out of donating. Was in and out of there in about 45 mins, and will definately go back in another 90 days:D


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  • Registered Users Posts: 54 ✭✭The.Q


    RuthyB wrote: »
    I gave my first donation in St. Finbarr's last night. And its true, ya do get a 'kick' out of donating. Was in and out of there in about 45 mins, and will definately go back in another 90 days:D
    You do feel like you've done something good, don't you? A secondary benefit (which I hope never to have to use, tbh) is that if you ever need a blood transfusion, because you're a donor, you won't have to pay for it!:p


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