Replies

Whenever I’ve donated it’s either been at a Red Cross center or at my workplace or at my gym. In all my cases it’s been very clean, comfortable and well run but then again I’ve never donated inside a van. LOL!

The worst experience I ever had was one time when the donation was almost complete but for some reason they couldn’t get any more blood from my left arm. Since it was so close to being a full pint but not enough to count or be used, the nurse asked me if I would mind if they “tapped” my other arm to get the rest of the donation. Since I had no other place to go and nothing better to do with my time, I said “sure”.

You would have thought I was donating a Kidney - the nurses and RC volunteers were so kind and sympathetic. To me it was just an extra pin prick and 5 more minutes of my time and no great big deal. But I was treated so kindly it was amazing to me.

But it doesn't really matter any more for me since my travels have now taken me to places where, having been there, I am not supposed to donate anymore.

When I answer the questionnaire about my travels outside the US, I feel like a such a rube since I’ve only traveled outside the US once, on business, to Canada and that doesn’t really count. If feel so unsophisticated.

When I’m confidentially asked about IV drug use, tattoos and body piercing, homosexual sexual encounters, or encounters with IV drug users, travels to the UK, Africa, etc, etc. and I keep answering, No, No, No, No; I feel like I must be the most boring person on the face of the Earth.

I guess that what makes me a good blood donor. :),

Your qualification as a blood donor isn’t’ necessarily dependent on where you’ve ever traveled but also how long ago and when you traveled there. Check back with the RC and you may find you are now qualified to donate.

Your qualification as a blood donor isn’t’ necessarily dependent on where you’ve ever traveled but also how long ago and when you traveled there. Check back with the RC and you may find you are now qualified to donate.

I am aware of that, but right now I am in a 10-year non-contribution window.

Why won’t they accept your blood if you went to UK?