How often do you donate blood?

When I took my husband to work today, a blood donation bus was in the parking lot. I went ahead in and donated blood. Before today, my last donation date was 4 years ago! I'm going to start donating more often.

So how often do you donate blood. I believe you can donate every 8 weeks or so. So that is roughly 6x per year max, right?

I can't donate. I don't weigh enough. I really wouldn't want to donate anyways.

I can donate, but they will not take my blood because
-I've gotten a piercing/tattoo too recently.
-Decisions i choose to make about my adult life that don't effect my blood in any way.

Its really sad how much GOOD blood the red cross turns down.

When my dad started his chemo treatments, I gave platelets at least once a week. I now try to do whole blood once a quarter (all that I can) and platelets once a quarter. I'm at 47 donations currently. I'm going to try and hit the big 50 next year. I wanted to hit that number for my dads anniversary for being a cancer survivor this year, but missed it since the Red Cross is on my crap list.

Anyone who can give blood, should. Platelets are even better if you can commit to the long process.

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Originally Posted by cinderbird

I can donate, but they will not take my blood because
-I've gotten a piercing/tattoo too recently.
-Decisions i choose to make about my adult life that don't effect my blood in any way.

Its really sad how much GOOD blood the red cross turns down.

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You don't have to tell them the truth. People with AIDS knowingly give blood. If your blood is not viable, their tests will determine that and they will call you and ask you not to donate anymore. There's a reason why they take many samples :gj:

I had hepatitis as a teenager, so the won't let me donate. :( I am, however, on the National Bone Marrow Donation list. :)

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Originally Posted by jfreels

You don't have to tell them the truth. People with AIDS knowingly give blood. If your blood is not viable, their tests will determine that and they will call you and ask you not to donate anymore. There's a reason why they take many samples :gj:

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I'm terrified of needles, but I feel that i really should donate. I'll see if i can get my fiance to do it with me. Then i'll man up :)

I use to give blood 3 to 4 times a year, in France you cannot give more than that.

Since I have been here I have not gave blood once since I am not eligible too. :rolleyes:

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Persons who have spent long periods of time in countries where "mad cow disease" is found are not eligible to donate. This requirement is related to concerns about variant Creutzfeld Jacob Disease (vCJD). Learn more about vCJD and donation.

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Not that anyone would say anything I am sure if I was to give blood but I don't like lying so I'll keep my blood.

But I am on the national organ donor list............go figure no restriction there.

Back in high school I hung out with a student teacher most of the time who was very adamant about donating as often as you can. She'd bribe me and her other friends by taking us out to breakfast/lunch first and then driving us over to the donation center. Now that I've moved away it's just sort of a habit to do it whenever the donation drive comes around to my college xD It's easy for me, and I figure there's no good reason not to in my case

I used to do it all the time, until I started getting tattoos. You have to wait a year after getting a tattoo to give blood. I still have a few months.

I'm in the same spot as Cinderbird. I get tattooed as often as I can, which is usually once a year or more, so by that rule alone, I'm always ineligible to donate.

I have been donating since I was 16, became a member of the gallon club (pretty cool key fob). I scar easily so I make them take from my left arm (it's all pocked from the needles)

I donate as often as I can, and just started donating platelets which is quite long...

Chad

I wish I could! I did once, and they tested my blood and it falsely tested positive for HIV. They said something about having HIV anti-bodies, so that's what made it come up positive. I don't really know how that works. Then I found out that I'm anemic, so no more donating for me...:(

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Originally Posted by Nimitz87

I donate as often as I can, and just started donating platelets which is quite long...

Chad

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They were testing me on a new machine about two years back. Called Audry or something like that. It could do a platelet donation and a whole blood donation in 45 minutes. I hope they take off. It makes you super cold though....much colder than a normal platelet donation.

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Originally Posted by jfreels

You don't have to tell them the truth. People with AIDS knowingly give blood. If your blood is not viable, their tests will determine that and they will call you and ask you not to donate anymore. There's a reason why they take many samples :gj:

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I am in the same boat as cinder bird, I have tats and another discriminating reason :rolleyes:. I also just can’t bring myself to lie, however I would if I could. I am an organ donor though. Funny how they don't ask about your personal life for that.

I have tatts as well, but I donate every chance I can since I have a rare blood type. As long as the tat is done in the state of Ohio I can donate. Don't have to wait year...

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At least in my area as long as you get your tattoo or piercing in a clean parlor that uses disposable tools you can donate.

Yeah, I just looked into it and the current rule regarding tattoos:

"Acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. There are 32 states that currently regulate tattoo facilities. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation."

This has changed since the last time I tried to donate. When I did, I was refused on the spot for having a tattoo less than a year old. It didn't matter if the shop was certified or not.

With that info, I think I will look into donation centers around here. I just hadn't ever looked into it again after being flat-out denied because of my tattoos and piercings. Guess times (and stereotypes surrounding tattoos and piercings) really are changing...

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Originally Posted by SnakesNStangss22

I have tatts as well, but I donate every chance I can since I have a rare blood type. As long as the tat is done in the state of Ohio I can donate. Don't have to wait year...

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Thats really interesting.

Where i lived before i moved to MD (upstate NY) they would not accept that. I'd even gone in to talk to the vamps they told me 6 months after being tattooed or pierced i'd be eligible to donate.

Too bad i keep getting pierced, tattooed or touched up. :/

disregard weird double post

in high school i did it every year we were allowed to. the past 6 years i donate at least once a year.

I never donate because I am horrified of needles and seeing my own blood. I turn green and pass out. Literally.