Blood donation, supplies very low

jelly&icecream · 08-01-2010 12:52pm #1

Just got a text from the blood transfusion people on Westmoreland St in Dublin saying their supplies are critically low and they are desperate for donations...third text in four days, so things are obviously bad.

I went in once about a year ago and they got about half a pint out of me before I nearly fainted so they had to stop obviously. Haven't gone again since because tbh I thought I'd be wasting their time...I think if they don't get the full pint they can't use it.

I'm just one of those fainty people I think. I would faint regularly at the doctors as a kid because of talk about blood and medical things and stuff. Thought I'd grown out of it but obviously not!

Should I try again after lunch? Or would I just be wasting their time...
Also I appear to left the little card they sent me at home in my parents house down the country so I'm guessing they'd have to process me again. Is the blood of any use to them if they don't get the full pint?

Tree · 08-01-2010 11:23pm

if your a fainter, dont bother going. they have to mind you after you fall over, and anything they get off you will probably be useless (theres minimum weights that have to be met)

Capt'n Midnight · 08-01-2010 11:52pm

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

DrIndy · 10-01-2010 1:09pm

I agree with Captn Midnight - if you can go, then I appeal to everyone to go to donate. However if you have had a bad reaction - it is in your best interest not to do so. Encourage your friends please!

Blood supply is very important for many operations - serious surgery can need up to 10 units or 10 donations to go ahead and cancelling these mean that cancer patients who need life saving surgery have to be postponed and risk the cancer spreading further.

I'm going to ask the admins to put up a board wide bulletin to encourage people to donate blood if they are able to. Many regular donors are snowed in, so its up to the irregulars who pop in once a year or two who can really make a difference now and literally folks, you will save someones life in getting that one needle and that one pint of blood going to the blood bank.

Thoie · 10-01-2010 1:25pm

I gave blood about 6 or 7 weeks ago. When they're stuck like this do they stick to the 3 month rule?

DrIndy · 10-01-2010 1:57pm

double check as always with them - they keep that rule because you yourself need to recover from the donation. By donating blood, you are giving something without harming yourself - if you do it too soon, you may harm yourself which goes against the principles of donation.

A Neurotic · 10-01-2010 2:55pm

I just finished a course of Distaclor LA antibiotics yesterday. Will this make me ineligible to donate?

ronkmonster · 10-01-2010 3:12pm

How long do I have to wait after flu?
I've had the flu for christmas and now this weekend, but my blood type is a-

Also how do I change the location on those texts?

DrIndy · 10-01-2010 3:22pm

For everyone who has come to this thread - blood donations are at a critical low in this country because who are regular donors have not been able to make it to the clinics because of the weather.

Therefore I appeal to you for help.

Why should you? Every blood donation will help to save someones life. When donations go critically low, elective surgery (or non-emergency surgery) is postponed - this is not just simple things like hip replacements but life saving cancer surgery which can need huge amounts of blood, up to 10 units to perform. If they cannot have their surgery, then their cancer can spread and when they eventually have their surgery, the cancer can have spread further.

You can make a difference. If you have ever donated in the past, now is the chance to do so again. Please help somone else. Many people are snowbound - if you are not - then please make the effort to donate. It is a needle and an hour of your time - but it is so important to that unfortunate stranger who has a dreadful diagnosis and a chance of a cure. You will help them.

If blood stocks drop even lower, then it even threatens people who have accidents. People who fracture their thigh bone of the ice can bleed many units into their muscle and in other accidents can bleed even worse into their organs - there is nothing worse than if blood can save them and blood is simply not available.

So please, if you can donate through the eligibility criteria of the IBTS

http://www.giveblood.ie/Become_a_Donor/Give_Blood/Can_I_Give_Blood/

If in doubt call them to double check

1850 731 137

Where to give blood:

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

You can make a difference. The IBTS is normally reliant on regular donors who support the service, they are not available right now. You can give blood if you match the criteria or have donated before. Please make the effort if it is safe for you to do so. You will make a difference and your contribution will save a life.

DrIndy · 10-01-2010 3:23pm

A Neurotic wrote: »

I just finished a course of Distaclor LA antibiotics yesterday. Will this make me ineligible to donate?

we cannot give medical advice on this forum - particularily regarding blood donation which has its own criteria - please phone the blood centre and ask regarding your own case.

A Neurotic · 10-01-2010 3:33pm

DrIndy wrote: »

we cannot give medical advice on this forum - particularily regarding blood donation which has its own criteria - please phone the blood centre and ask regarding your own case.

Of course - I didn't realise I was, strictly speaking, asking for medical advice. Apologies.

DrIndy · 10-01-2010 3:35pm

A Neurotic wrote: »

Of course - I didn't realise I was, strictly speaking, asking for medical advice. Apologies.

no apology neccesary - give them a ring - you may find you are indeed eligible but I cannot speak for them.

ronkmonster · 10-01-2010 5:44pm

RTE reporting 2 hour delay in Dublin clinic due to numbers

Piste · 10-01-2010 9:12pm

I really wish I could give blood now, but I have to wait until February because my Hb levels were ever so slightly low when I went to donate in October/November. I've been taking iron since and I'd say my blood's A-OK, but it's their policy to wait 90 days. I might ring them up tomorrow and see when I can donate next actually.

10-01-2010 9:23pm

I had planned to give blood as soon as I turn 18 (February 27) but I was in a malarial area last April, so I've to wait for 12 months since then.

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.

Sully · 10-01-2010 9:30pm

Nothing in Waterford till Feb it seems (apart from Dungarvan which is a bit awkward to get to)

Piste · 10-01-2010 9:32pm

Nope, after you donate they send you out a little card with you name and blood type on it and a barcode so they can just scan it at the clinic and have all your info next time you go to donate.

neilthefunkeone · 10-01-2010 9:32pm

Would love to give blood but heard once that i cant due to the ol "Mary Jane".. is this true??

Kurtosis · 10-01-2010 9:34pm

No need to know your blood type. A few weeks after your first donation they'll send you a shiny card that has your blood type on it!

mardybumbum · 10-01-2010 9:45pm

neilthefunkeone wrote: »

Would love to give blood but heard once that i cant due to the ol "Mary Jane".. is this true??

No, thats not true.

swingking · 10-01-2010 9:55pm

Went into the clinic today after an hour on the DART and was told there was a 2 and a half hour wait.

Really angry that they tell people they are desperate for blood donations YET they have queues coming out the door. So I'll be keeping my blood now :mad:

neilthefunkeone · 10-01-2010 9:57pm

mardybumbum wrote: »

No, thats not true.

Sweet ill give it a go so my next free day...

keenan110 · 10-01-2010 10:04pm

I was in giving blood for the first time there on Monday, lady who was taking my blood was saying how it had been very quiet the past week!

cailinoBAC · 10-01-2010 10:15pm

I can't say I particularly enjoy giving blood, but with all the ads about the critically low supplies I really wish I could. But I only came back from South America in May. Just feels wrong not to be able to give anything seeing as I came back perfectly healthy! I guess I'll just have to wait.

Noodles5 · 10-01-2010 10:21pm

I have always wanted to give blood but because of piercings / tattoos I was never able to, when I went it was always 12 months you had to wait after a piercing / tattoo.. now on the website its changed to 4 months? Its strange that theyve just changed it but will pop down one of the days this week so!

sam34 · 10-01-2010 10:39pm

swingking wrote: »

Went into the clinic today after an hour on the DART and was told there was a 2 and a half hour wait.

Really angry that they tell people they are desperate for blood donations YET they have queues coming out the door. So I'll be keeping my blood now :mad:

oh ffs!

do you think they were lying about their low supplies?

maybe their campaign has worked well and thats why they had queues today.

the blood they get today may not be sufficient to meet demand and replenish the stocks.

plus, clearly you're talking about a centre in dublin, which has a greater population than any other part of the country.

i doubt the centres in donegal or kerry had people queueing out the doors.

but dont let that worry you, you just hold onto all your blood cause they misled you, that'll learn the bastards :rolleyes:

vektarman · 10-01-2010 10:40pm

swingking wrote: »

Went into the clinic today after an hour on the DART and was told there was a 2 and a half hour wait.

Really angry that they tell people they are desperate for blood donations YET they have queues coming out the door. So I'll be keeping my blood now :mad:

As you're on the Dart route it might be handier to go to the Balbriggan or Dun Laoighire clinics this week, you can also ring before making a journey to get a rough estimate of how long the visit will take, all the info is on www.giveblood.ie

Don't give up, every donation is vital. I'd give this week but I only donated the day before Christmas Eve.

swingking · 10-01-2010 11:01pm

vektarman wrote: »

As you're on the Dart route it might be handier to go to the Balbriggan or Dun Laoighire clinics this week, you can also ring before making a journey to get a rough estimate of how long the visit will take, all the info is on www.giveblood.ie

Don't give up, every donation is vital. I'd give this week but I only donated the day before Christmas Eve.

I'm planning to go in on Wednesday again.

Thanks for the information

smelltheglove · 10-01-2010 11:46pm

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?

Kurtosis · 10-01-2010 11:52pm

swingking wrote: »

I'm planning to go in on Wednesday again.

Thanks for the information

Also if you are trying to make it a quick visit, you could try making an appointment for your next visit (I know they usually offer this service but Wednesday might not be far enough ahead to do it) but it's worth maybe giving them a quick call about tomorrow.

vektarman · 11-01-2010 12:07am

smelltheglove wrote: »

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?

Donors are asked have they had a meal before donating, if you donate on an empty stomach it increases the chances of feeling weaker after donating.

High-Tower · 11-01-2010 12:09am

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

barry181091 · 11-01-2010 12:11am

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

I always get them mixed up !

vektarman · 11-01-2010 12:16am

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

barry181091 wrote: »

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 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.

Capt'n Midnight · 11-01-2010 12:25am

smelltheglove wrote: »

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

WeeBushy · 11-01-2010 12:27am

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.

baubl · 11-01-2010 1:18am

Capt'n Midnight wrote: »

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

Capt'n Midnight · 11-01-2010 1:31am

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/

Tree · 11-01-2010 12:57pm

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.

smelltheglove wrote:

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.

Deleted User wrote:

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.

maclek · 11-01-2010 8:42pm

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!

eth0_ · 11-01-2010 8:48pm

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?

items · 12-01-2010 1:02am

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.

danniemcq · 12-01-2010 9:17am

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?

Vorsprung · 12-01-2010 11:19am

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).

Tree · 12-01-2010 12:05pm

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.

SinisterDexter · 12-01-2010 1:01pm

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.

aidan.connolly · 12-01-2010 2:02pm

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

Doozie · 12-01-2010 3:06pm

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)

elleelle19 · 12-01-2010 8:05pm

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

Angron · 13-01-2010 1:06pm

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.

oh well · 13-01-2010 1:41pm

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

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

Blood donation, supplies very low

Comments