[vektarman]

Originally Posted by smelltheglove

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]

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]

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]

Originally Posted by 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

Originally Posted by 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 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]

Originally Posted by smelltheglove

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]

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]

Originally Posted by Capt'n Midnight

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]

Originally Posted by baubl

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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.

Originally Posted by smelltheglove

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.

Originally Posted by piratequeen

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]

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_]

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]

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]

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

You can only donate at IBTS clinics, they have the required equipment, hospitals do not.

Originally Posted by Vorsprung

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.