Blood Donation
Feb 15th 2007, 9:04 pm
#1
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2006
Location: 'stralia
Posts: 2,383
Blood Donation
In the UK I give blood as often as I can, I can't believe there are so many people who will not do it as it takes so little time, costs nothing and can save lives. I feel quite proud to be someone who does it.
I've just looked on the red cross Australia blood donation website, and it says anyone who's been in the UK over 6 months 1980-1996 cannot give blood because of mad cow disease? This makes me really sad and angry!! I know they have to take every precaution, etc etc, but there has been BSE in Australia too, and British beef was exported through all of that period... why are they saying that my blood might infect someone?!
Has anyone else from Britain donated blood in Australia? Is there a govt donation service that is separate from the red cross?
(I bet I won't even be allowed to give blood if I come back for hols to the UK, as they'll say I've been abroad too long or transitted through a malarial zone!)
I've just looked on the red cross Australia blood donation website, and it says anyone who's been in the UK over 6 months 1980-1996 cannot give blood because of mad cow disease? This makes me really sad and angry!! I know they have to take every precaution, etc etc, but there has been BSE in Australia too, and British beef was exported through all of that period... why are they saying that my blood might infect someone?!
Has anyone else from Britain donated blood in Australia? Is there a govt donation service that is separate from the red cross?
(I bet I won't even be allowed to give blood if I come back for hols to the UK, as they'll say I've been abroad too long or transitted through a malarial zone!)
Feb 15th 2007, 9:14 pm
#2
Gone Senile Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Location: Sydney
Posts: 3,014
Re: Blood Donation
In the UK I give blood as often as I can, I can't believe there are so many people who will not do it as it takes so little time, costs nothing and can save lives. I feel quite proud to be someone who does it.
I've just looked on the red cross Australia blood donation website, and it says anyone who's been in the UK over 6 months 1980-1996 cannot give blood because of mad cow disease? This makes me really sad and angry!! I know they have to take every precaution, etc etc, but there has been BSE in Australia too, and British beef was exported through all of that period... why are they saying that my blood might infect someone?!
Has anyone else from Britain donated blood in Australia? Is there a govt donation service that is separate from the red cross?
(I bet I won't even be allowed to give blood if I come back for hols to the UK, as they'll say I've been abroad too long or transitted through a malarial zone!)
I've just looked on the red cross Australia blood donation website, and it says anyone who's been in the UK over 6 months 1980-1996 cannot give blood because of mad cow disease? This makes me really sad and angry!! I know they have to take every precaution, etc etc, but there has been BSE in Australia too, and British beef was exported through all of that period... why are they saying that my blood might infect someone?!
Has anyone else from Britain donated blood in Australia? Is there a govt donation service that is separate from the red cross?
(I bet I won't even be allowed to give blood if I come back for hols to the UK, as they'll say I've been abroad too long or transitted through a malarial zone!)
It is a bit annoying not being able to give blood - I still carry a donor card though.
Hubby and I gave blood regularly in the UK - hubby a gold badge or some level, five years here and never a drop
. The worst times are when they have a blood drive in work rounding you up and trying to make you feel guilty for not going - I have to laugh it off saying nope no good you don't want mine 
I gave blood back in the UK on one trip but that was after I was only here a year. I am back again in March maybe will have a try then.
Cheers
Feb 15th 2007, 11:03 pm
#3
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Joined: Aug 2006
Location: WA but NOT Perth!!!!!
Posts: 3,318
Re: Blood Donation
I am a huge woos who is still trying to conquer a fear of blood tests, let alone giving blood, so for me it's kind of a benefit cos I dont have to feel guilty that I dont give it! 
But I do agree it's craziness, particularly since they're always harping on about there being a shortage of blood. That rule must mean there are thousands if not millions of people who cant donate - even ruling out all the UK immigrants it also means Aussies or other nationalities who visited in those times cant donate. And all becuase of an absolutely minute risk.
Madness
But I do agree it's craziness, particularly since they're always harping on about there being a shortage of blood. That rule must mean there are thousands if not millions of people who cant donate - even ruling out all the UK immigrants it also means Aussies or other nationalities who visited in those times cant donate. And all becuase of an absolutely minute risk.
Madness
Feb 15th 2007, 11:03 pm
#4
Retired
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,649
Re: Blood Donation
In the UK I give blood as often as I can, I can't believe there are so many people who will not do it as it takes so little time, costs nothing and can save lives. I feel quite proud to be someone who does it.
I've just looked on the red cross Australia blood donation website, and it says anyone who's been in the UK over 6 months 1980-1996 cannot give blood because of mad cow disease? This makes me really sad and angry!! I know they have to take every precaution, etc etc, but there has been BSE in Australia too, and British beef was exported through all of that period... why are they saying that my blood might infect someone?!
I've just looked on the red cross Australia blood donation website, and it says anyone who's been in the UK over 6 months 1980-1996 cannot give blood because of mad cow disease? This makes me really sad and angry!! I know they have to take every precaution, etc etc, but there has been BSE in Australia too, and British beef was exported through all of that period... why are they saying that my blood might infect someone?!
Look on the bright side. The fact they can maintain a restriction like this suggests they are not really as short of blood supplies as they claim to be.
Feb 16th 2007, 12:52 am
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Perth
Posts: 3,453
Re: Blood Donation
I am a huge woos who is still trying to conquer a fear of blood tests, let alone giving blood, so for me it's kind of a benefit cos I dont have to feel guilty that I dont give it!
But I do agree it's craziness, particularly since they're always harping on about there being a shortage of blood. That rule must mean there are thousands if not millions of people who cant donate - even ruling out all the UK immigrants it also means Aussies or other nationalities who visited in those times cant donate. And all becuase of an absolutely minute risk.
Madness
But I do agree it's craziness, particularly since they're always harping on about there being a shortage of blood. That rule must mean there are thousands if not millions of people who cant donate - even ruling out all the UK immigrants it also means Aussies or other nationalities who visited in those times cant donate. And all becuase of an absolutely minute risk.
Madness
What about 5 months and 29 days? Or 6 months and 1 day?!
Feb 16th 2007, 2:02 am
#6
Retired
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,649
Re: Blood Donation
But I do agree it's craziness, particularly since they're always harping on about there being a shortage of blood. That rule must mean there are thousands if not millions of people who cant donate - even ruling out all the UK immigrants it also means Aussies or other nationalities who visited in those times cant donate.
I think you should conclude there's not really a "shortage of blood".
Feb 16th 2007, 2:51 am
#7
Proudly Deplorable
Joined: May 2003
Location: Alloha snack bar
Posts: 24,246
Re: Blood Donation
In the UK I give blood as often as I can, I can't believe there are so many people who will not do it as it takes so little time, costs nothing and can save lives. I feel quite proud to be someone who does it.
I've just looked on the red cross Australia blood donation website, and it says anyone who's been in the UK over 6 months 1980-1996 cannot give blood because of mad cow disease? This makes me really sad and angry!! I know they have to take every precaution, etc etc, but there has been BSE in Australia too, and British beef was exported through all of that period... why are they saying that my blood might infect someone?!
Has anyone else from Britain donated blood in Australia? Is there a govt donation service that is separate from the red cross?
(I bet I won't even be allowed to give blood if I come back for hols to the UK, as they'll say I've been abroad too long or transitted through a malarial zone!)
I've just looked on the red cross Australia blood donation website, and it says anyone who's been in the UK over 6 months 1980-1996 cannot give blood because of mad cow disease? This makes me really sad and angry!! I know they have to take every precaution, etc etc, but there has been BSE in Australia too, and British beef was exported through all of that period... why are they saying that my blood might infect someone?!
Has anyone else from Britain donated blood in Australia? Is there a govt donation service that is separate from the red cross?
(I bet I won't even be allowed to give blood if I come back for hols to the UK, as they'll say I've been abroad too long or transitted through a malarial zone!)
Feb 16th 2007, 3:50 am
#8
youngy73
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: kewarra beach, cairns
Posts: 940
Re: Blood Donation
In the UK I give blood as often as I can, I can't believe there are so many people who will not do it as it takes so little time, costs nothing and can save lives. I feel quite proud to be someone who does it.
I've just looked on the red cross Australia blood donation website, and it says anyone who's been in the UK over 6 months 1980-1996 cannot give blood because of mad cow disease? This makes me really sad and angry!! I know they have to take every precaution, etc etc, but there has been BSE in Australia too, and British beef was exported through all of that period... why are they saying that my blood might infect someone?!
Has anyone else from Britain donated blood in Australia? Is there a govt donation service that is separate from the red cross?
(I bet I won't even be allowed to give blood if I come back for hols to the UK, as they'll say I've been abroad too long or transitted through a malarial zone!)
I've just looked on the red cross Australia blood donation website, and it says anyone who's been in the UK over 6 months 1980-1996 cannot give blood because of mad cow disease? This makes me really sad and angry!! I know they have to take every precaution, etc etc, but there has been BSE in Australia too, and British beef was exported through all of that period... why are they saying that my blood might infect someone?!
Has anyone else from Britain donated blood in Australia? Is there a govt donation service that is separate from the red cross?
(I bet I won't even be allowed to give blood if I come back for hols to the UK, as they'll say I've been abroad too long or transitted through a malarial zone!)
i once had to have a tranfusion when i was younger and the fact that i cant give blood is the one thing about living here f@#*s me off.
Feb 16th 2007, 3:53 am
#9
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Feb 16th 2007, 4:12 am
#10
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Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Perth
Posts: 3,453
Re: Blood Donation
ive been down this road. you cannot give blood. simple as that. but you can still be an organ donor. i ripped my donor card. dummy spit i know but if my blood aint good enough then neither are my organs.
i once had to have a tranfusion when i was younger and the fact that i cant give blood is the one thing about living here f@#*s me off.
i once had to have a tranfusion when i was younger and the fact that i cant give blood is the one thing about living here f@#*s me off.
Feb 16th 2007, 4:16 am
#11
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Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Perth
Posts: 3,453
Re: Blood Donation
The trouble with going down this road is that it undermines the whole integrity of the system.
Blood donations rely partly on self-screening - have you ever been a drug user etc etc.
When all said and done we don't know the long term risk of vCJD. Don't know if you need to have eaten one burger or a whole cow. Whether all genotypes will get it or just one type...
So trying to get round the system is a bit like a Greek tragedy - you may end up killing somebody because you were trying to save someone's life.
Blood donations rely partly on self-screening - have you ever been a drug user etc etc.
When all said and done we don't know the long term risk of vCJD. Don't know if you need to have eaten one burger or a whole cow. Whether all genotypes will get it or just one type...
So trying to get round the system is a bit like a Greek tragedy - you may end up killing somebody because you were trying to save someone's life.
Feb 16th 2007, 4:40 am
#12
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: WA but NOT Perth!!!!!
Posts: 3,318
Re: Blood Donation
The trouble with going down this road is that it undermines the whole integrity of the system.
Blood donations rely partly on self-screening - have you ever been a drug user etc etc.
When all said and done we don't know the long term risk of vCJD. Don't know if you need to have eaten one burger or a whole cow. Whether all genotypes will get it or just one type...
So trying to get round the system is a bit like a Greek tragedy - you may end up killing somebody because you were trying to save someone's life.
Blood donations rely partly on self-screening - have you ever been a drug user etc etc.
When all said and done we don't know the long term risk of vCJD. Don't know if you need to have eaten one burger or a whole cow. Whether all genotypes will get it or just one type...
So trying to get round the system is a bit like a Greek tragedy - you may end up killing somebody because you were trying to save someone's life.
Feb 16th 2007, 5:13 am
#13
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Location: Brisbane (previously Surrey, UK)
Posts: 358
Re: Blood Donation
The way I see it, if they don't want my blood they're the ones missing out, not me!
Feb 16th 2007, 7:24 am
#15
Banned
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: Tapping (Perth)
Posts: 2,619
Re: Blood Donation
If you look on the UK donate-blood website, there are all kinds of reasons when you can't give blood. They are very "picky", but in my view that's a really good thing.
I am old enough to remember when lots (and I mean LOTS) of haemophiliacs got blood transfusions of HIV infected blood and then promptly developed HIV and then AIDS and then died - in the days before we had AIDS drugs. (And that was in the days when the general public was extremely uneducated about HIV/AIDS.)
So, I for one am pleased that both in the UK and in OZ the blood services are very "picky" on who can/can't donate. And for those other posters who regard it as a personal affront that they can't give blood, they could consider that by not giving blood they may be saving someone's life (they won't be able to infect them with vCJD).
Gina