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Giving Blood

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By *om and Jennie OP   Couple  over a year ago

Chams or Socials

Less than 3% of people aged 17-70 living in England have donated in the last year.

100,000 new volunteers are needed.

O negative blood can be given to anyone in an emergency.

I hate needles but started to donate after my mum needed a transfusion. I hate doing it but go every 3-4 months even though only 1 in 3 visits results in a donation.

If you don't donate would you consider starting to donate?

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By *isscheekychopsWoman  over a year ago

The land of grey peas and bacon

I think they need to consider their policies on bi and gay men giving blood it's a bit old fashioned now to consider they are the most at risk sector for dieases such as HIV

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By *irtyGirlWoman  over a year ago

Edinburgh

No.

I don't give blood.

I don't agree with the questions they ask.

I don't believe the blood is tested thoroughly.

I hope I never need any.

This topic makes me very cross indeed.

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By *om and Jennie OP   Couple  over a year ago

Chams or Socials


"I think they need to consider their policies on bi and gay men giving blood it's a bit old fashioned now to consider they are the most at risk sector for dieases such as HIV"

I agree - especially as all blood is tested before use

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I've donated once before. But of the 6 times I tried to donate, the once was all I was allowed for various reasons (one rejection because I had visited China within 2 years of the SARS outbreak).

So basically I have up as its time consuming going to donate blood and being rejected.

-Courtney

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I give blood but to be honest, only because they come and set up a van outside my office so it makes it nice and easy. If I had to go somewhere to do it I probably wouldn't.

It's not biggy and doesn't hurt (I too fucking hate needles, but who doesn't?). I did it at first because I was curious and now I just want/need all the karma I can get.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I used to give blood regularly. But I contacted mild Hepatitis while serving abroad with the Army (and no! It was not sexually transmitted) so I am now barred from giving blood.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I can't donate because i've had a couple of transfusions. Not sure why i'm not allowed to.

I'd donate if i could. My mum (until she got ill) and Dad were donators all their life, my Dad got an award for giving loads. It seems easy enough to do.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I'm O neg and donate when I can

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By *empting Devil.Woman  over a year ago

Sheffield

I used to despite not always managing to get a full pint in the allotted time. But since they use the part pints for other stuff I kept going back.

Now I'm not allowed to for health reasons.

But after spending a lot of time in and out of hospital, even though I never received blood products, I've seen the difference it can make and not only to accident victims.

It's a simple thing to do but can really make a difference for the person who needs it.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I have a rare blood type so can't donate, but seeing as my doctor struggles to get a vial from me during routine tests not sure I could provide a pint anyway

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

giving blood and HIV threads back to back

eeek

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

They don't want mine

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I don't understand why more people don't give blood. Yes it's not exactly fun but i'm sure many (not all) would be more than happy to use donated blood for themselves or loved ones. Blood bank vans even go to people's work so they can do it in their lunch hour. Unfortunately i'm no longer allowed to give blood but I did before. Not as regularly as I should have but something is better than nothing.

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By *irtyGirlWoman  over a year ago

Edinburgh


"I don't understand why more people don't give blood. Yes it's not exactly fun but i'm sure many (not all) would be more than happy to use donated blood for themselves or loved ones. Blood bank vans even go to people's work so they can do it in their lunch hour. Unfortunately i'm no longer allowed to give blood but I did before. Not as regularly as I should have but something is better than nothing. "

I've had safe sex with a bisexual man. They don't want mine.

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By *atelotmanMan  over a year ago

Chatham

Always wanted to give blood,but due to something in my blood cant give it.Its nothing related with sex or sti.

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By *overs14Couple  over a year ago

norwich

I would love to give blood especially as I'm a rare blood group. But I'm not allowed as I've had a blood transfusion. Someone saved my life with that blood as I'd lost 80% of my blood and I'd love to be able to do the same for someone else.

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By *ady LickWoman  over a year ago

Northampton Somewhere

I give blood regularly. The nurse was telling me last time that blood stocks are low because I wanted to leave as they were struggling to get the needle in. She wouldn't let me as I have A- and that's quite rare. I got a keyring once and free biscuits!!

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By *nnyMan  over a year ago

Glasgow

It should be straightforward. If you choose not to donate (as opposed to can't ), you can't receive - same with organ donation.

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By *irtyGirlWoman  over a year ago

Edinburgh


"It should be straightforward. If you choose not to donate (as opposed to can't ), you can't receive - same with organ donation."

It's not straightforward though.

There's no medical reason for me not to give blood.

They don't want it because of my sexual history.

How many 'straight' married men are here, having sex with other men yet have wives at home who are completely oblivious to the fact that they've had sex with a bisexual man and are giving blood?

How many homosexual, monogamous couples with a clean bill of sexual health are unable to give blood but not by their own choice?

I realise it's about minimising risk but the blood was tested properly it wouldn't be a factor.

Gay men who are in long term, faithful relationships should not be discriminated against. Yet they are and it's perfectly accepted. Not cool.

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By *ophieslutTV/TS  over a year ago

Central

I've given before as well as received plenty. But don't give now due to their policies.

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By *nnyMan  over a year ago

Glasgow


"It should be straightforward. If you choose not to donate (as opposed to can't ), you can't receive - same with organ donation.

It's not straightforward though.

There's no medical reason for me not to give blood.

They don't want it because of my sexual history.

How many 'straight' married men are here, having sex with other men yet have wives at home who are completely oblivious to the fact that they've had sex with a bisexual man and are giving blood?

How many homosexual, monogamous couples with a clean bill of sexual health are unable to give blood but not by their own choice?

I realise it's about minimising risk but the blood was tested properly it wouldn't be a factor.

Gay men who are in long term, faithful relationships should not be discriminated against. Yet they are and it's perfectly accepted. Not cool

"

That counts as a can't. It's not about agreeing with the reason they give.

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By *nnyMan  over a year ago

Glasgow


"I've given before as well as received plenty. But don't give now due to their policies. "

So you wouldn't accept a transfusion now?

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By *irtyGirlWoman  over a year ago

Edinburgh


"It should be straightforward. If you choose not to donate (as opposed to can't ), you can't receive - same with organ donation.

It's not straightforward though.

There's no medical reason for me not to give blood.

They don't want it because of my sexual history.

How many 'straight' married men are here, having sex with other men yet have wives at home who are completely oblivious to the fact that they've had sex with a bisexual man and are giving blood?

How many homosexual, monogamous couples with a clean bill of sexual health are unable to give blood but not by their own choice?

I realise it's about minimising risk but the blood was tested properly it wouldn't be a factor.

Gay men who are in long term, faithful relationships should not be discriminated against. Yet they are and it's perfectly accepted. Not cool

That counts as a can't. It's not about agreeing with the reason they give."

I get that but when I hear adverts on local radio begging for people to give blood it makes me quite cross. Nothing wrong with mine yet they don't want it.

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By *iamondjoeMan  over a year ago

Glastonbury

I'm not allowed to.

For some silly reason.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I've gave blood a few times.. A-

Stopped when I missed a few visits through work and I was bombarded with phone calls.

Eventually passed a donor station in a different away and was turned away because I never had an appointment!

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By *irty130Couple  over a year ago

Bristol Area

To those people saying they can't because of certain policies/rules. Please check again, as the rules have been changed in the last couple of years.

Man having sex with another man has changed to 12 months.

Piercings etc. have changed to 4 months.

Unfortunately you can't give EVER if you have received blood since the early 80s.

Also did you know that our risk of CJD in this country is high enough for us to not be allowed to give blood in USA and other countries. We're just all considered to be the same risk here, so we might as well do the giving/receiving between us.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I have done for years. Needles don't bother me and my blood always seems to come out really quickly so never takes long. Plus, free biscuits. Have had to wait a period to donate again in the past after having had sex with a bisexual man, which was quite frustrating.

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By *iewMan  over a year ago
Forum Mod

Angus & Findhorn

No, they don't want mine.

It's cool though, I will just take it if needed.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"Less than 3% of people aged 17-70 living in England have donated in the last year.

100,000 new volunteers are needed.

O negative blood can be given to anyone in an emergency.

I hate needles but started to donate after my mum needed a transfusion. I hate doing it but go every 3-4 months even though only 1 in 3 visits results in a donation.

If you don't donate would you consider starting to donate? "

Well done OP. I got my 15 pint badge a few years back, it's so worthwhile. And I Love tea an biscuits!!! X

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"I give blood but to be honest, only because they come and set up a van outside my office so it makes it nice and easy. If I had to go somewhere to do it I probably wouldn't.

It's not biggy and doesn't hurt (I too fucking hate needles, but who doesn't?). I did it at first because I was curious and now I just want/need all the karma I can get. "

It hurts a bit. But not enough to put you off. Kind of like a sting

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By *arehamMan  over a year ago

handforth

I've given up to 58 pints my next is Nov .

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By *achelnMarkCouple  over a year ago

Mid Wiltshire

Thanks for saying the rules have changed, you are correct: http://www.blood.co.uk/giving-blood/who-cant-give-blood/

They seem to have been relaxed a bit.

You should NOT give blood for 12 months after sex with...

- A man (if you're a male). Men who have had anal or oral sex with another man (with or without a condom) are deferred from blood donation for 12 months.

- A man who has had sex with another man (if you're a female).

- A commercial sex worker.

Though after being honest at a gum clinic checkup, the we asked about giving blood, doc actually said "I'd not worry about the rules too much". (We don't actually play that much lol)

But we do obey rules, so no longer give blood.

So if a girl sucks my cock, its fine. If her husband does then we can't give blood for a year. Unless we lie.

(and that is despite looking after our health and getting checked).

Hope there are enough straight monogomous people (or liars) to keep the blood banks topped up

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By *ady LickWoman  over a year ago

Northampton Somewhere


"I've given up to 58 pints my next is Nov ."

Wow...well done you

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By *elloWoman  over a year ago

alpha centauri

I used to give blood but for the last 7 years I was in a relationship with a Bi male so couldn't donate but now we've split up I will definitely start donating again after I've had my baby, I'm also going to be donating stem cells and breast milk after the birth, it feels good to be able to do a good deed.

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By *icksfocusMan  over a year ago

Pontefract

I'm A negative and given blood for years

Also a biker so never know when I will need it back

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I don't weigh enough to donate blood

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By *trawberry-popWoman  over a year ago

South East Midlands NOT

I used to give blood but now i'm not allowed to if I answer the questionnaire honestly.

It annoys me really, i've got no STDs or anything, why shouldn't I be allowed? I have a rare blood group and they're always calling out for it.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I would love to but when I did in my mid-20's I suffered somewhat. Blanked out. Couldn't say my name. They suggested I didn't repeat the exercise as I was at risk of brain damage.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

If it doesn't get tested, I'd like to know what the blood and transplant service were paying me and my colleagues to do

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I used to give blood as I'm a rare blood group. But I'm not allowed anymore as I've had a blood transfusion which totally saved my life. I would so love to be able to do the same for someone else. Pretty sad that they point blank refuse!!

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I can't as I have had blood transfusion but I am on organ donor list

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

Thank you to all who give blood I wouldn't be here today with out you !!!!!

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By *trawberry-popWoman  over a year ago

South East Midlands NOT


"Thank you to all who give blood I wouldn't be here today with out you !!!!! "

It's a shame I can't keep doing so!

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By *irtyGirlWoman  over a year ago

Edinburgh

I'm on the organ donor list too. Bet no-one gives a shit who I've fucked when I'm dead.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"Thanks for saying the rules have changed, you are correct: http://www.blood.co.uk/giving-blood/who-cant-give-blood/

They seem to have been relaxed a bit.

You should NOT give blood for 12 months after sex with...

- A man (if you're a male). Men who have had anal or oral sex with another man (with or without a condom) are deferred from blood donation for 12 months.

- A man who has had sex with another man (if you're a female).

- A commercial sex worker.

Though after being honest at a gum clinic checkup, the we asked about giving blood, doc actually said "I'd not worry about the rules too much". (We don't actually play that much lol)

But we do obey rules, so no longer give blood.

So if a girl sucks my cock, its fine. If her husband does then we can't give blood for a year. Unless we lie.

(and that is despite looking after our health and getting checked).

Hope there are enough straight monogomous people (or liars) to keep the blood banks topped up"

So new rules still excludes gay men in monogamous relationships and gay or bi men who are sti free, but accepts from women who may be unknowingly sleeping with bi men or those who just lie

Surely makes more sense to focus on enhanced blood screening techniques than rather pointless exclusions?

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"I don't weigh enough to donate blood "

You must be teeny!

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By *icky999Man  over a year ago

warrington


"If it doesn't get tested, I'd like to know what the blood and transplant service were paying me and my colleagues to do"

can i ask how come they dont allow gay men and transfusion recipients?

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By *irtyGirlWoman  over a year ago

Edinburgh


"If it doesn't get tested, I'd like to know what the blood and transplant service were paying me and my colleagues to do"

I've no idea but I rang the Blood Donor offices and had a lengthy chat with a doctor there who would not clarify that the blood from donors was thoroughly tested. If it was then there would surely be no need to exclude certain groups.

Until I get a proper answer to that, I'm afraid I won't be donating blood, hope that I never need a transfusion and will continue to have safe sex and look after my sexual health.

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By *uby0000Woman  over a year ago

hertfordshire


"I can't donate because i've had a couple of transfusions. Not sure why i'm not allowed to.

I'd donate if i could. My mum (until she got ill) and Dad were donators all their life, my Dad got an award for giving loads. It seems easy enough to do."

my daughter was told this when she had a transfusion when she had her son

her husband donates platelets all the time as he has a rare blood group

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By *reelove1969Couple  over a year ago

bristol

cant give blood as im under 8 stone ...cant jump through another of their hoops

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"I can't donate because i've had a couple of transfusions. Not sure why i'm not allowed to.

I'd donate if i could. My mum (until she got ill) and Dad were donators all their life, my Dad got an award for giving loads. It seems easy enough to do.

my daughter was told this when she had a transfusion when she had her son

her husband donates platelets all the time as he has a rare blood group "

I thought it was to do with CJD, which has been mentioned above. I'm not sure and nobody medical ever told me this, i googled it.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

Have been a regular for years, giving my 50th donation a couple of months ago.

It doesn't hurt, a small scratch feeling. Get worse at work.

The appointment system is better, but not perfect, usually going to donate within 10 minutes of the appointment.

Those of you that can, I feel, should!

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I give blood regularly and have also given bone marrow.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I've donated blood since I was 18

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By *igeiaWoman  over a year ago

Bristol

I used to donate regularly. It's on my walk home anyway so it was easy and I like an occasional glass of squash. However, I'm still within a year of a new tattoo so can't and even when that year's over I have regular safe sex with a bi guy so I'm not allowed for that either. I don't plan on not having sex with him any time soon so I guess I no longer give blood.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"I don't weigh enough to donate blood

You must be teeny!"

50kg is the cut-off.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I used to give blood regularly but had to have a course of steroids because of the onsets of pneumonia .

I think I have to wait eighteen months before I can again , is that right ?

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"If it doesn't get tested, I'd like to know what the blood and transplant service were paying me and my colleagues to do

I've no idea but I rang the Blood Donor offices and had a lengthy chat with a doctor there who would not clarify that the blood from donors was thoroughly tested. If it was then there would surely be no need to exclude certain groups.

Until I get a proper answer to that, I'm afraid I won't be donating blood, hope that I never need a transfusion and will continue to have safe sex and look after my sexual health. "

It is thoroughly tested, hence the vials that are drawn first before you fill the bag. A lot of it comes down to cost and efficacy.

Take plasma. If it contains maternal antibodies from a lady who has previously been pregnant (knowingly or not), that plasma is toxic to its recipients. It can be tested for maternal antibodies but the cost and time in doing so means its unreasonably expensive and reduces the stock life of the product while its on hold. In this case it's simply not worth testing every female donation on the off chance she's been pregnant and never noticed ie early miscarriage being mistaken for a period.

The 12 months deferral for gay and bisexual men is an extended incubation period for HIV and hepatitis infections (B in particular) as they don't necessarily show up straight away. Plus no testing method is 100% accurate and blood goes to those who are generally immuno compromised. It needs to be a safe product, not one that has nasties lurking beyond the capabilities of the testing. The justification of this is based on statistical risk of specific sexual acts, not on an individual basis. SaBTO decided that, its a rule that the blood and transplant service have to stick to.

vCJD believed to be from contaminated beef is a prion disease that can cross the blood brain barrier. Although rare, the possibility of the magnitude of contamination means potentially infected beef was consumed from 1989 onwards. It's possible that donors had vCJD which is hard to detect until it turns the brain to a sponge and spread it though their donated blood. So if you've received blood since this time from an anonymous donor who may have eaten bad beef, they don't want to risk it being further spread.

Obviously I can't comment on your particular situation as I don't know what reason you were given for declining the donation and it would be rude of me to ask or assume

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By *irtyGirlWoman  over a year ago

Edinburgh


"If it doesn't get tested, I'd like to know what the blood and transplant service were paying me and my colleagues to do

I've no idea but I rang the Blood Donor offices and had a lengthy chat with a doctor there who would not clarify that the blood from donors was thoroughly tested. If it was then there would surely be no need to exclude certain groups.

Until I get a proper answer to that, I'm afraid I won't be donating blood, hope that I never need a transfusion and will continue to have safe sex and look after my sexual health.

It is thoroughly tested, hence the vials that are drawn first before you fill the bag. A lot of it comes down to cost and efficacy.

Take plasma. If it contains maternal antibodies from a lady who has previously been pregnant (knowingly or not), that plasma is toxic to its recipients. It can be tested for maternal antibodies but the cost and time in doing so means its unreasonably expensive and reduces the stock life of the product while its on hold. In this case it's simply not worth testing every female donation on the off chance she's been pregnant and never noticed ie early miscarriage being mistaken for a period.

The 12 months deferral for gay and bisexual men is an extended incubation period for HIV and hepatitis infections (B in particular) as they don't necessarily show up straight away. Plus no testing method is 100% accurate and blood goes to those who are generally immuno compromised. It needs to be a safe product, not one that has nasties lurking beyond the capabilities of the testing. The justification of this is based on statistical risk of specific sexual acts, not on an individual basis. SaBTO decided that, its a rule that the blood and transplant service have to stick to.

vCJD believed to be from contaminated beef is a prion disease that can cross the blood brain barrier. Although rare, the possibility of the magnitude of contamination means potentially infected beef was consumed from 1989 onwards. It's possible that donors had vCJD which is hard to detect until it turns the brain to a sponge and spread it though their donated blood. So if you've received blood since this time from an anonymous donor who may have eaten bad beef, they don't want to risk it being further spread.

Obviously I can't comment on your particular situation as I don't know what reason you were given for declining the donation and it would be rude of me to ask or assume"

Thank you for such a detailed answer. I've stopped donating blood since I've had tattoos and piercings and sex with bisexual men.

I understand the reasons for lowering the risk in all of those circumstances and I appreciate that's the sensible course of action.

It still doesn't explain why gay men are excluded. If they're not promiscuous and have a clean bill of sexual health, what's wrong with their blood?

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"No.

I don't give blood.

I don't agree with the questions they ask.

I don't believe the blood is tested thoroughly.

I hope I never need any.

This topic makes me very cross indeed.

"

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"I think they need to consider their policies on bi and gay men giving blood it's a bit old fashioned now to consider they are the most at risk sector for dieases such as HIV"

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 22/09/15 20:16:33]

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"

If you don't donate would you consider starting to donate? "

I'd love to but I'm a dirty gayer.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I (her) couldn't readily part with mine. Trying to get the needle in proved too difficult and distressing. Unfortunately, it's the same if I ever have a blood test

"wouldn't" sounded as if i wasn't wiling whereas getting the needle in is the issue

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By *oxy_minxWoman  over a year ago

Scotland - Aberdeen

I used to....but since tattoos I had to stop, now I am not heavy enough

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By *alcon43Woman  over a year ago

Paisley

I gave enough to get my bronze badge but then I've had a transfusion after my eldest was born and now can't.

My boys both give blood though.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I can't give blood as I've had transfusions

I want to know what the hells wrong with their blood that they don't want it back

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By *icky999Man  over a year ago

warrington


"I think they need to consider their policies on bi and gay men giving blood it's a bit old fashioned now to consider they are the most at risk sector for dieases such as HIV

"

50% of new cases of hiv are in gay men.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"If it doesn't get tested, I'd like to know what the blood and transplant service were paying me and my colleagues to do

I've no idea but I rang the Blood Donor offices and had a lengthy chat with a doctor there who would not clarify that the blood from donors was thoroughly tested. If it was then there would surely be no need to exclude certain groups.

Until I get a proper answer to that, I'm afraid I won't be donating blood, hope that I never need a transfusion and will continue to have safe sex and look after my sexual health.

It is thoroughly tested, hence the vials that are drawn first before you fill the bag. A lot of it comes down to cost and efficacy.

Take plasma. If it contains maternal antibodies from a lady who has previously been pregnant (knowingly or not), that plasma is toxic to its recipients. It can be tested for maternal antibodies but the cost and time in doing so means its unreasonably expensive and reduces the stock life of the product while its on hold. In this case it's simply not worth testing every female donation on the off chance she's been pregnant and never noticed ie early miscarriage being mistaken for a period.

The 12 months deferral for gay and bisexual men is an extended incubation period for HIV and hepatitis infections (B in particular) as they don't necessarily show up straight away. Plus no testing method is 100% accurate and blood goes to those who are generally immuno compromised. It needs to be a safe product, not one that has nasties lurking beyond the capabilities of the testing. The justification of this is based on statistical risk of specific sexual acts, not on an individual basis. SaBTO decided that, its a rule that the blood and transplant service have to stick to.

vCJD believed to be from contaminated beef is a prion disease that can cross the blood brain barrier. Although rare, the possibility of the magnitude of contamination means potentially infected beef was consumed from 1989 onwards. It's possible that donors had vCJD which is hard to detect until it turns the brain to a sponge and spread it though their donated blood. So if you've received blood since this time from an anonymous donor who may have eaten bad beef, they don't want to risk it being further spread.

Obviously I can't comment on your particular situation as I don't know what reason you were given for declining the donation and it would be rude of me to ask or assume

Thank you for such a detailed answer. I've stopped donating blood since I've had tattoos and piercings and sex with bisexual men.

I understand the reasons for lowering the risk in all of those circumstances and I appreciate that's the sensible course of action.

It still doesn't explain why gay men are excluded. If they're not promiscuous and have a clean bill of sexual health, what's wrong with their blood? "

Honestly I've had the same discussions with people more in the know. Basically SaBTO make the rules based on statistics of very high numbers. I think it was 2012 when PHE recorded 6100 (ish) new HIV cases of which two thirds were self identified gay or bisexual men. They basically have to extrapolate from large data assuming it applies to small numbers too. In essence they have to go with the odds that if somebody is going to have a HIV infection and that marginally skews against gay/bi men. The aim is to have the statistically safest donors walking through the door and use the testing as a fail safe, rather than letting everyone through and backtracking. I don't personally think it's right but that's the regulations

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"I can't give blood as I've had transfusions

I want to know what the hells wrong with their blood that they don't want it back "

The possibility of vCJD

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"I think they need to consider their policies on bi and gay men giving blood it's a bit old fashioned now to consider they are the most at risk sector for dieases such as HIV

50% of new cases of hiv are in gay men. "

I honestly dont see why they turn anybody away, they screen all blood before it goes into anybody

I personally think it would make more sence to take the bloody and dispose of any that comes back as unusable when screened

They keep saying how there is a shortage but they must turn away thousands of people with perfectly usable bloody

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By *icky999Man  over a year ago

warrington


"I think they need to consider their policies on bi and gay men giving blood it's a bit old fashioned now to consider they are the most at risk sector for dieases such as HIV

50% of new cases of hiv are in gay men.

I honestly dont see why they turn anybody away, they screen all blood before it goes into anybody

I personally think it would make more sence to take the bloody and dispose of any that comes back as unusable when screened

They keep saying how there is a shortage but they must turn away thousands of people with perfectly usable bloody "

somebody somewhere gets a bill for the wasted sample. even if its only via wages or advertising or what ever. of course it doesnt work out exactly like this, if that cost is 200000 ban gay men it becomes 100000.

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By *irtyGirlWoman  over a year ago

Edinburgh


"Honestly I've had the same discussions with people more in the know. Basically SaBTO make the rules based on statistics of very high numbers. I think it was 2012 when PHE recorded 6100 (ish) new HIV cases of which two thirds were self identified gay or bisexual men. They basically have to extrapolate from large data assuming it applies to small numbers too. In essence they have to go with the odds that if somebody is going to have a HIV infection and that marginally skews against gay/bi men. The aim is to have the statistically safest donors walking through the door and use the testing as a fail safe, rather than letting everyone through and backtracking. I don't personally think it's right but that's the regulations"

Again thanks for such a detailed response, you've certainly been clearer than the bloke I spoke to. He was ill informed and stuttered his way through the conversation suggesting I made an appointment to come in and discuss it.

I used to be a regular donor before I started having tattoos etc. and then it was so long to wait in between I gave it up. Maybe I'll rethink it in between bi men.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"Honestly I've had the same discussions with people more in the know. Basically SaBTO make the rules based on statistics of very high numbers. I think it was 2012 when PHE recorded 6100 (ish) new HIV cases of which two thirds were self identified gay or bisexual men. They basically have to extrapolate from large data assuming it applies to small numbers too. In essence they have to go with the odds that if somebody is going to have a HIV infection and that marginally skews against gay/bi men. The aim is to have the statistically safest donors walking through the door and use the testing as a fail safe, rather than letting everyone through and backtracking. I don't personally think it's right but that's the regulations

Again thanks for such a detailed response, you've certainly been clearer than the bloke I spoke to. He was ill informed and stuttered his way through the conversation suggesting I made an appointment to come in and discuss it.

I used to be a regular donor before I started having tattoos etc. and then it was so long to wait in between I gave it up. Maybe I'll rethink it in between bi men. "

You're welcome. I can't donate myself anymore but I try to help where I can

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"If it doesn't get tested, I'd like to know what the blood and transplant service were paying me and my colleagues to do"

I don't know what were you and your colleagues being paid to do while they were dealing out infected untested blood from US prisons?

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By *irtyGirlWoman  over a year ago

Edinburgh


"

You're welcome. I can't donate myself anymore but I try to help where I can"

While you're here... is there any reason they have to take it out of your arm? My doc does blood tests from my hand, would they do that to take blood?

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By *ce WingerMan  over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

After I had a pulmonary embolism 10 yrs ago, tests discovered that ma bone marrow was making too many red blood cells. I get tested every 2 months for this and if I'm above ma target I have to have a venesection (I call it a vampire session )where they drain a pint off. It's no good to anyone though and just gets incinerated

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"

You're welcome. I can't donate myself anymore but I try to help where I can

While you're here... is there any reason they have to take it out of your arm? My doc does blood tests from my hand, would they do that to take blood? "

The needle to donate in a good time has quite a wide bore to get a good flow out of you. Those little fiddly butterfly needles wont drain you fast enough for the volume needed before the vein sort of collapsed on itself

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"If it doesn't get tested, I'd like to know what the blood and transplant service were paying me and my colleagues to do

I don't know what were you and your colleagues being paid to do while they were dealing out infected untested blood from US prisons?"

All the donations came from centres and sessions across the UK. It's in the audit trail of every pack

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I cant as I have injected performance enhancing drugs.

Not that they would know

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By *irtyGirlWoman  over a year ago

Edinburgh


"

You're welcome. I can't donate myself anymore but I try to help where I can

While you're here... is there any reason they have to take it out of your arm? My doc does blood tests from my hand, would they do that to take blood?

The needle to donate in a good time has quite a wide bore to get a good flow out of you. Those little fiddly butterfly needles wont drain you fast enough for the volume needed before the vein sort of collapsed on itself"

Hmmm... could they not stick the wide bore one in my hand? They can never find the veins in my arms and when they do it trickles out in a dribble and it hurts. It'd be much quicker and less painful from my hand.

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"I used to give blood but for the last 7 years I was in a relationship with a Bi male so couldn't donate but now we've split up I will definitely start donating again after I've had my baby, I'm also going to be donating stem cells and breast milk after the birth, it feels good to be able to do a good deed. "

I wanted to donate stem cells but my midwife was clueless so it never happened

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago

I would love to give blood but got told I was too fat ??

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By (user no longer on site)  over a year ago


"I would love to give blood but got told I was too fat ??"

You're not fat, you're just not tall enough for your weight i expect.

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