$Unique_ID{BRK00331}
$Pretitle{Blood and Blood Forming Organs}
$Title{Reasons for Blood Donor Rejection}
$Subject{transfusion blood donor anemia}
$Volume{D-7}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Reasons for Blood Donor Rejection


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QUESTION:  Thinking I would perform a good deed as I believe all citizens
should, I tried to donate blood during a recent drive at my place of
employment.  I was very disappointed when I was disqualified after they took a
finger stick blood sample.  I was told to see my doctor for possible anemia.
Are there any other reasons for which they will not take your blood donation?

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ANSWER:  The answer to the question you asked is "Yes".  The answer to the
question you didn't ask is "No, I don't think that there is anything else
seriously wrong with you that they didn't mention".  There are two major in
the United States concerned with collecting blood, The American Red Cross and
the American Association of Blood Banks.  Each has its own set of rules and
standards concerning the eligibility of donors, but they are pretty much the
same.  All donors go through a brief screening, including a health interview
and medical history, a hemoglobin test, temperature, pulse rate and blood
pressure.  From this information a decision about your ability to donate blood
is made.  There are certain conditions which mean that you may never be able
to follow the dictates of your community conscience.  A history of hepatitis,
heart disease, cancer, and bleeding disorders, convulsions or AIDS or being in
an AIDS at risk group will disqualify you.  However problems of pregnancy,
recent major surgery, either low or high blood pressure, the use of certain
medications and anemia require that your donation be deferred until the
situation has been corrected, or change.  These rules are not meant to offend
you, but have been established to protect both the donor as well as the
recipient from potential harm.  In your case the solution looks rather simple.
See your doctor and have your anemia checked and corrected.  Then you will be
able to donate.  Judging from the contents of your letter, the blood of a man
like you may be something special.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
