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Blood donation rules and swinging
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The Blood and Transplant service have changed the rules for blood donation.
This ought to make it easier for swingers to legitimately give blood in full compliance with the rules.
So now...
Men who've had sex with men
Women who've had sex with men who've had sex with men
or sex workers
...can give blood if it is 3 months since they last had sex with one of those groups.
In this context "sex" means oral or anal, with or without condoms.
Good news... if you to give blood, take a 3 month break, and you can, in full compliance with the rules. |
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"That's good news.
I wonder if they factor in the proportion of women who are having sex with men who've had sex with men but don't know it. "
I suspect they take the view that its safest to assume that sex with an unknown man is sex with a man that has had sex with a man. And sex with a man that is known could be too.
So... its not about the relative risks of various behaviours or what is known or not, but rather the 3 months limit is to do with the blood service's ability to detect what might be in the blood.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Unfortunately I can’t give blood ive had a transfusion so thanks you guys you never know a pint of your red stuff could’ve saved my life  
I’d give mine if I could though. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Unfortunately I can’t give blood ive had a transfusion so thanks you guys you never know a pint of your red stuff could’ve saved my life
I’d give mine if I could though."
Me too!
I'd happily donate mine in return for the pints that saved me but not allowed to....such a shame  |
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"Thank you to all the blood donors I've had 9 pints so far this year xx"
Marion has given over 60 pints of blood in total, this changes makes it possible with some planning to combine swinging and giving blood. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Unfortunately I can’t give blood ive had a transfusion so thanks you guys you never know a pint of your red stuff could’ve saved my life
I’d give mine if I could though."
I'm the same |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thank you to all the blood donors I've had 9 pints so far this year xx
Marion has given over 60 pints of blood in total, this changes makes it possible with some planning to combine swinging and giving blood."
Wow well done to her you never no when you are going to help someone so I'm grateful to each and every person that helped me may need another transfusion next week xx |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Unfortunately I can’t give blood ive had a transfusion so thanks you guys you never know a pint of your red stuff could’ve saved my life
I’d give mine if I could though."
Yep me too had a transfusion 21 years ago, so can’t return the favour, keep up the good work x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I only managed to donate two pints and then my iron leveld dropped too low and was borderline anaemic. I don't know yet if I'm allowed to donate again but I'm hoping so.
Ginger |
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By *ivWoman
over a year ago
Carmarthen |
"The Blood and Transplant service have changed the rules for blood donation.
This ought to make it easier for swingers to legitimately give blood in full compliance with the rules.
So now...
Men who've had sex with men
Women who've had sex with men who've had sex with men
or sex workers
...can give blood if it is 3 months since they last had sex with one of those groups.
In this context "sex" means oral or anal, with or without condoms.
Good news... if you to give blood, take a 3 month break, and you can, in full compliance with the rules."
Thanks for posting, I had absolutely no idea about this.
I just wanted to check, men who have sex with men, with or without condoms need to abstain from sex for 3 months before giving blood ?
Is that what you are saying ? thank you. |
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"
I just wanted to check, men who have sex with men, with or without condoms need to abstain from sex for 3 months before giving blood ?
Is that what you are saying ? thank you. "
That's fully right... A man can give blood if it is 3 months since last having sex with a man (with or without condoms).
If you want to check the precise wording and other restrictions then it on the blood dot Co dot UK Web site...
Note, other restrictions apply like can't give blood if a person has hiv, syphilis, hep c, intravenous drugs...
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"I used to give blood and plasma on a regular basis but haven't been able to since late 1980s when I had an operation. Pity because I would love to do my bit and given more."
It's worth checking the rules because they vary them from time to time. Obviously they may not have changed in your case but if you want to give blood then its worth checking if there has been any change. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I used to give blood and plasma on a regular basis but haven't been able to since late 1980s when I had an operation. Pity because I would love to do my bit and given more.
It's worth checking the rules because they vary them from time to time. Obviously they may not have changed in your case but if you want to give blood then its worth checking if there has been any change. "
I know I can't give blood due to having had a blood transfusion at birth |
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"The Blood and Transplant service have changed the rules for blood donation.
This ought to make it easier for swingers to legitimately give blood in full compliance with the rules.
So now...
Men who've had sex with men
Women who've had sex with men who've had sex with men
or sex workers
...can give blood if it is 3 months since they last had sex with one of those groups.
In this context "sex" means oral or anal, with or without condoms.
Good news... if you to give blood, take a 3 month break, and you can, in full compliance with the rules."
I think it means, had a clear sti check and not had sex with these groups of people for the 3 months following that clear result? Surely? What great news though!  |
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"I think it means, had a clear sti check and not had sex with these groups of people for the 3 months following that clear result? Surely? What great news though! "
No... There is no requirement to have had an sti check. Someone can give blood as long as it is more than three months since last sex. |
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By *irginieWoman
over a year ago
Near Marlborough |
OOOoh great new. I’m Arh- but stopped giving blood because my ex boyfriend was bisexual and had sex with men.
I thought about not confessing but realised the rules, although slightly crazy, were there for a reason so I didnt feel comfortable doing so
Better make my next appointment
V x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Shit! I didn't realise this was even a rule?
Girls at work talk about giving blood, but we focus on how recent tattoos are etc. Of course they wouldn't mention swinging or bisexual sex as that doesn't affect them!! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"The Blood and Transplant service have changed the rules for blood donation.
This ought to make it easier for swingers to legitimately give blood in full compliance with the rules.
So now...
Men who've had sex with men
Women who've had sex with men who've had sex with men
or sex workers
...can give blood if it is 3 months since they last had sex with one of those groups.
In this context "sex" means oral or anal, with or without condoms.
Good news... if you to give blood, take a 3 month break, and you can, in full compliance with the rules."
I had a serious RTA 30 years ago, due to that I was given blood to save my life.
.
I have always wanted to give blood to return the favour
But you have received a blood transfusion you are not allowed to give blood
and that was 30 years ago, I am more healthy now than I was back then |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I think it's great it's changed. I needed blood so can't donate, Mr is now up to 10 donations so more than replaced what I needed. Ever so proud of him being so selfless on my behalf. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Shit! I didn't realise this was even a rule?
Girls at work talk about giving blood, but we focus on how recent tattoos are etc. Of course they wouldn't mention swinging or bisexual sex as that doesn't affect them!! "
I've only managed to donate a couple of times because tattoos and coldsores get in the way. Might recheck if I'm eligible, thanks OP |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"men who lie/ about having sex with men and go on to have sex with women screws this up
"
Yeh the many "straight" men on here that have verified profiles on the guys site too! and even the " only oral" brigade counts. |
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"What worries me is those that lie..
Yes they screen all of it, but some things dont show up immediately
So imo not an if... a when"
As far as blood service are concerned, if you leave it 3 months then you can give blood regardless.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Have just read through the thread, big respect to all those who give blood, when you see how much of the stuff the Christies use and the help and strength it gives the patients it's truly a life giver/saver.
Id ask that people take a look at the Anthony Nolan also they need stem cell donations and you can register between the age 18-30 thanks |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Unfortunately I can’t give blood ive had a transfusion so thanks you guys you never know a pint of your red stuff could’ve saved my life
I’d give mine if I could though."
Same here... wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for those who do donate. Thanks to all who do x |
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"I dont see how this can work without recent blood screening .... people lie "
That's always been the case.
This change doesn't alter that.
This might encourage more people to donate from groups who might not otherwise without increasing the risk materially. |
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Further to our other post. Ive given about 24 times. I get grilled, hard because i had sex with a guy about 8 years ago
Yet I have a gay aquaintance whom openly admittedly to me about giving more than once while having unprotected sex with different guys. - he lies about being gay
Very worrying indeed |
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I've given nearly 50 times. Would have been a lot more but the rules seem a bit strict about donating after getting piercings (although I need to check if the rules have changed!)
Seems crazy you can't donate if you have received a transfusion even years ago. I wonder why. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I've given nearly 50 times. Would have been a lot more but the rules seem a bit strict about donating after getting piercings (although I need to check if the rules have changed!)
Seems crazy you can't donate if you have received a transfusion even years ago. I wonder why."
I wonder too as would have been nice to give back after having a complete blood transfusion at birth as if I didn't I would not have been here at all |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I've donated over 70 pints but have been asked not to donate anymore.
My problem..... I pass out every single time, the last time it happened they strongly suggested that I call it a day.
I gave blood to five back. My mother , Father and ex wife all needed transfusions over the years.
Without the kindness and generosity of doners, my kids would have been deprived of a mother and grandparents.
Thanks to all those who continue with this selfless act. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I've given nearly 50 times. Would have been a lot more but the rules seem a bit strict about donating after getting piercings (although I need to check if the rules have changed!)
Seems crazy you can't donate if you have received a transfusion even years ago. I wonder why."
It's to so with antibodies that tour new blood acquires from the transfusion process I believe.
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"Always struck me as odd that a man who has engaged in anal sex recently could not give blood - but a woman who has engaged in anal sex could.
There must be a reason, I guess."
I guess it stems from the '80s when aids was prevalent amongst gay men, I guess that isn't the case any more, nothing to do with the anal sex, just the people involved. Just simple risk reduction really. |
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"The Blood and Transplant service have changed the rules for blood donation.
This ought to make it easier for swingers to legitimately give blood in full compliance with the rules.
So now...
Men who've had sex with men
Women who've had sex with men who've had sex with men
or sex workers
...can give blood if it is 3 months since they last had sex with one of those groups.
In this context "sex" means oral or anal, with or without condoms.
Good news... if you to give blood, take a 3 month break, and you can, in full compliance with the rules.
I think it means, had a clear sti check and not had sex with these groups of people for the 3 months following that clear result? Surely? What great news though! "
This would make sense. If someone picked up an STI from such an interaction then abstained for 3 months but didn't know they had an infection, then I wouldn't deem that individual safe to donate. Maybe the BTS has a way of filtering those out when they turn up to donate. |
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"Always struck me as odd that a man who has engaged in anal sex recently could not give blood - but a woman who has engaged in anal sex could.
There must be a reason, I guess."
Well now if its 3 months since then either can. |
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"
This would make sense. If someone picked up an STI from such an interaction then abstained for 3 months but didn't know they had an infection, then I wouldn't deem that individual safe to donate. Maybe the BTS has a way of filtering those out when they turn up to donate."
BTS screen all the blood that is donated... they are effectively performing an STI check on all the donated blood. The 3 months is simply how low they need for it to show up in their test.
So somehow who has an STI but doesn't know may give blood but as long as it is 3 months then BTS will be able to screen it out. |
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"The Blood and Transplant service have changed the rules for blood donation.
This ought to make it easier for swingers to legitimately give blood in full compliance with the rules.
So now...
Men who've had sex with men
Women who've had sex with men who've had sex with men
or sex workers
...can give blood if it is 3 months since they last had sex with one of those groups.
In this context "sex" means oral or anal, with or without condoms.
Good news... if you to give blood, take a 3 month break, and you can, in full compliance with the rules.
I think it means, had a clear sti check and not had sex with these groups of people for the 3 months following that clear result? Surely? What great news though!
This would make sense. If someone picked up an STI from such an interaction then abstained for 3 months but didn't know they had an infection, then I wouldn't deem that individual safe to donate. Maybe the BTS has a way of filtering those out when they turn up to donate."
They test the blood - I guess the 3 months is for any latent disease to become apparent, ie 'testable'. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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The BTS run a limited panel on a sample of your donation. So that will pick up HIV, HepC and a few others.
If you are swinger though and you tell the nursing staff this they will tell you to abstain for three months, have an STI check and THEN go back to them as it is high risk activity whoever it is with and whether condoms are used or not.
You shouldn't use the BTS screening as a replacement STI check, it is deeply irresponsible as although rare, false negatives do happen. Then because you couldn't be bothered to have a proper check up your donation might be used.
This is not to say that any detective method is 100% successful but the more tests you have the greater the likelihood is that your sample will be safe to transfuse.
Relaxation of the rules around gay and bisexual men is great in that it enables us to donate after abstinence rather than face a lifetime ban. However it is a shame that men in a monogamous relationship with another man will still be banned - or have to stay celibate!
*The above assumes one is honest of course. |
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See I have a problem with the screening of the blood after it's been taken as you suggest.
1/ If someone was STI screened 3 months ago, got the all clear and had not had sex with the at risk group, then they know they are STI free and the blood they take is good to go.
2/ If the blood is taken and the person is not STI screened, the expense of taking the blood and screening it, storing it, admin etc... afterwards to only dispose of it if it is useless, must be high? PLUS, the person is carrying an STI and is unaware. Do they tell the person who donated that they have picked up on a positive for... whatever? If that is the case, they won't have had the proper pre-screen counselling and preparation for a positive result that you get when you are STI checked. If they don't tell the person that a positive is picked up, that is irresponsible surely?
We could do with someone from the BTS to clarify all this really as the system seems flawed.
Thanks for starting a great convo here. It's a brilliant move in the right direction but it has certainly flagged up lots of questions for me! lol xxx |
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"If you are swinger though and you tell the nursing staff this they will tell you to abstain for three months, have an STI check"
The whole point of my post is that the blood service DO NOT advise to have an STI check... they simply advise to abstain for 3 months.
That's not to say that an STI check is not a good idea. Just that it appears nowhere in blood service advice.
I suggest referring to the actual advice and FAQ on their web site.
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"See I have a problem with the screening of the blood after it's been taken as you suggest."
There is a mass of info on their web site.
Putting it bluntly, the blood service are not concerned about whether you have an STI or not, only whether the blood given is usable or not within their risk criteria.
They do not require anyone to undergo an STI - only that they abstain for 3 months.
Someone could have been a male sex worker having unprotected anal sex but from the blood service point of view if they have abstained for 3 months then that is sufficient for them.
They specifically advise people NOT to rely on blood donation as a way to obtain an STI, STI checks will test for items which the blood service don't test for. Obviously they are only interested in things that are transmitted in blood so for example they don't test for Chlamydia.
However if during their tests they do detect one of the items they test for (eg HIV, syphilis, HEPC) then they will inform people and advise them to seek medical advice from their GP.
ALL blood is screened regardless of what people say or whatever group they are. They cannot rely on people telling the truth and cannot rely on whatever people may or may not have done since any STI check.
The time limits are simply to balance the risks and ensuring that they attract sufficient donors.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I always think those willing to accept blood should be willing to give it. "
I had no choice as a few minutes old baby but to accept the blood transfusion and as much as I am willing to donate I can't so it's not even about being willing but the rules not allowing me to donate |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Sorry if this has already been answered but what is to stop someone claiming he (for example) has not had sex with another man for 3 months - when in fact it was only 2 sweeks ago?
Might be a well-meaning individual (or not!) who did this but what safeguards are there to "enforce" the 3 month rule?
Be very sad to see infected blood in the system again for a lack of due diligence.
Not too sure this is a good move, although I understand the need for more blood supplies, of course. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I always think those willing to accept blood should be willing to give it. "
Do you mean theoretically willing to accept? Because those of us who have actually accepted blood are not eligible to give |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I always think those willing to accept blood should be willing to give it.
Do you mean theoretically willing to accept? Because those of us who have actually accepted blood are not eligible to give"
Exactly why I put what I did |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I always think those willing to accept blood should be willing to give it.
Do you mean theoretically willing to accept? Because those of us who have actually accepted blood are not eligible to give
Exactly why I put what I did"
I didn't realise at the time of having the transfusion it would also prevent me from donating breast milk to the hospital milk bank. I had my transfusion during child birth and would have loved to have helped the prem babies. |
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I give as often as I can but my blood is rubbish. Frank can’t donate as he’s had a stem cell transplant.
Please don’t just give blood - if you can also platelets, stem cells & bone marrow are greatly needed xx
B x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I always think those willing to accept blood should be willing to give it.
I had no choice as a few minutes old baby but to accept the blood transfusion and as much as I am willing to donate I can't so it's not even about being willing but the rules not allowing me to donate "
Such a shame there are so many of us who are willing but not allowed for whatever reason. I was allowed until they stopped people with M.E./ Fibro donating. Obviously as a child you couldn't make that decision and thank goodness there was blood to help you. It just grates with me when adults would be more than happy to accept blood but don't donate if they are able (obviously some have massive phobias etc so I mean those who have no reason not to). I have huge respect for those who do make the effort to literally save lives |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I always think those willing to accept blood should be willing to give it.
Do you mean theoretically willing to accept? Because those of us who have actually accepted blood are not eligible to give"
Yes apologies, that is what I meant. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I always think those willing to accept blood should be willing to give it.
I had no choice as a few minutes old baby but to accept the blood transfusion and as much as I am willing to donate I can't so it's not even about being willing but the rules not allowing me to donate
Such a shame there are so many of us who are willing but not allowed for whatever reason. I was allowed until they stopped people with M.E./ Fibro donating. Obviously as a child you couldn't make that decision and thank goodness there was blood to help you. It just grates with me when adults would be more than happy to accept blood but don't donate if they are able (obviously some have massive phobias etc so I mean those who have no reason not to). I have huge respect for those who do make the effort to literally save lives "
Now had I been born before 81 and had a transfusion I would have been able to according to the blood donor rules but I have had a needle phobia in the past but not do much now but would have still gone and done it |
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"Sorry if this has already been answered but what is to stop someone claiming he (for example) has not had sex with another man for 3 months - when in fact it was only 2 sweeks ago?
... what safeguards are there to "enforce" the 3 month rule?"
I'm not sure how they could ever verify the 3 months. They can only take people at their word on the basis that people giving blood are genuinely well meaning honest people.
They've always run the risk of people deliberately lying, or of people giving blood in good faith thinking they're compliant but their partner is a promiscuous lying toe rag.
I'm not sure there could ever be a system for finding that out...
From their point of view it is about being able to manage the risks, and the new rules are designed based around ensuring supply of blood without increasing the risk. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"men who lie/ about having sex with men and go on to have sex with women screws this up
"
Not to state something that's an issue for you or anything
I'm guessing it's ok for women to lie about it... aaaah I see it's only men who lie 
Seriously...  |
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"Unfortunately I can’t give blood ive had a transfusion so thanks you guys you never know a pint of your red stuff could’ve saved my life
I’d give mine if I
Same here... wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for those who do donate. Thanks to all who do x"
I've given blood and had a transfusion when I was born never knew of this rule |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Unfortunately I can’t give blood ive had a transfusion so thanks you guys you never know a pint of your red stuff could’ve saved my life
I’d give mine if I
Same here... wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for those who do donate. Thanks to all who do x
I've given blood and had a transfusion when I was born never knew of this rule "
It states on blood donor stuff I researched anyone who received a blood transfusion after January 1st 1980 u can't give blood |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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There is nothing to stop someone claiming that they have not had sex with another man in the last 3 months when he has as it’s not enforced. It’s done on a trust basis that assumes people are being honest when they fill out the donor health check form.
All blood donations are tested for diseases such as HIV. If tested positive, the donation is simply discarded and the donor is notified.
"Sorry if this has already been answered but what is to stop someone claiming he (for example) has not had sex with another man for 3 months - when in fact it was only 2 sweeks ago?
Might be a well-meaning individual (or not!) who did this but what safeguards are there to "enforce" the 3 month rule?
Be very sad to see infected blood in the system again for a lack of due diligence.
Not too sure this is a good move, although I understand the need for more blood supplies, of course."
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. And when I die they can take whatever anybody needs from me 