Blood / Platelet Donations

PhillyDee · 11 Aug 2008 at 17:19

Not a medical thread, but I am a regular Blood Donor (18 so far . . . ) and recently received a letter asking me in as a Platelet donor. I had to supply another blood sample so they can check my levels. They check your veins as you need a sturdier vein to donate and they also check your Platelet levels. Apparently me being a 'nice big lad' as they put it, means I am more likely to be able to donate. They were telling me that they always have a shortage pf Blood donors, and as only 20% of blood donors can donate platelets, then there is an even greater shortage. This is an unashamed plea for more donors. You are helping to save lives. If you dont donate, then please consider it. If you do, then Kudos!

Here is an overview of Platelet donation
http://www.blood.co.uk/pages/platelets.html
A single donor can give enough platelets to provide 2-3 adult doses or up to 12 small doses of platelets for babies and young children.

And to donate blood please visit
http://www.blood.co.uk/
Type your postcode in for a list of local sessions.

Or you can Phone
0845 7 711 711

That is all.

Apart from: Does anyone donate platelets? I dont know if im eligible yet of course . . . . Just wondering what its like compared to a regular blood donation. Do you still feel tired afterwards?

knip · 11 Aug 2008 at 17:25

I went to do mine at the centre, and when they checked my iron levels it was too low to donate platlets apparently (even though I was still able to give blood,) you apparently need an even higher level of iron for platlets.

Hope yours works out ok.

colinuk · 11 Aug 2008 at 17:26

If i could give blood i would but after a trip to Nepal/India im not allowed any more. Shame, loved the coffee and biccys. Then again that was about 15 years ago, maybe i can go see if im ok to be used now?

SkeeterUK · 11 Aug 2008 at 17:27

I would donate blood cos had a recent bloodtest and it was fine, but im only donating if i get some cash like 20 quid a pint. As my blood is premium (the only blood i have so once its gone its gone)

PhillyDee · 11 Aug 2008 at 17:29

colinuk said:
If i could give blood i would but after a trip to Nepal/India im not allowed any more. Shame, loved the coffee and biccys. Then again that was about 15 years ago, maybe i can go see if im ok to be used now?

Just ring them up. Best way to enquire.

Meridian · 11 Aug 2008 at 17:34

Ooh - does this mean I can post this again:

Actually I've been kicked off for a second time in ten years - I've become anaemic again. I should be back with donation 411 in October.

M

Azagoth · 11 Aug 2008 at 17:35

I would if I could, but they won't take mine.

knip · 11 Aug 2008 at 17:45

SkeeterPSA said:
I would donate blood cos had a recent bloodtest and it was fine, but im only donating if i get some cash like 20 quid a pint. As my blood is premium (the only blood i have so once its gone its gone)

I hope you are joking (you make more blood again in a few days), and if you arent then I hope nobody you care about ever needs a blood donation.

Repta · 11 Aug 2008 at 17:46

Everytime i have gone to donate blood i havent been able to for a number of reasons

-Exodus- · 11 Aug 2008 at 17:57

i'll be donating for the 2nd time in september when i am able to again

Loosecannon · 11 Aug 2008 at 17:57

Just reminded me I need to give blood!

Ta for that!

TheKnat · 11 Aug 2008 at 17:57

Donated blood twice, got ill, never allow to donate blood again.

I will never get that free mug they give you

. Or can I donate other people's blood instead ?

-Exodus- · 11 Aug 2008 at 18:00

TheKnat said:
Donated blood twice, got ill, never allow to donate blood again.

I will never get that free mug they give you . Or can I donate other people's blood instead ?

you get a mug? over here we just get badges and certificates every certain number of donations.

btw would i be able to donate if i am currently taking anti-biotics?

knip · 11 Aug 2008 at 18:06

-Exodus- said:
btw would i be able to donate if i am currently taking anti-biotics?

Nope you wont, if you have an appointment booked just ring them and ask, but you will have to be fit and well and not on any medication I would think.
As in you have the antibiotics because you have a bug so you wont be "fit and well"

poopots · 11 Aug 2008 at 18:07

I'm eligible, had a phone call a few weeks after giving blood for the first time asking if i could travel to Cardiff to donate platelets. Just wasn't going to happen with the time it would take me to travel to Cardiff. They did offer to cover any travel any expenses though.

FrostedNipple · 11 Aug 2008 at 18:13

Got my 4th sometime soon.

Also, 400 donations :/ with an donation rate of 3 a year, that would make you at least 150 :confused:

Meridian · 11 Aug 2008 at 18:47

FrostedNipple said:
Got my 4th sometime soon.

Also, 400 donations :/ with an donation rate of 3 a year, that would make you at least 150

Platelets every four weeks, and worth two donations a time.

M

Biohazard · 11 Aug 2008 at 18:50

I used to work for the SNBTS.

My father was a haemophilic and relied on donations most of his life.

I haven't given anywhere near as much as I should

FrostedNipple · 11 Aug 2008 at 18:57

Meridian said:
Platelets every four weeks, and worth two donations a time.

M

ahh ok lol. Do platelets hurt? Giving blood doesn't but there must be some sort of disadvantage to platelets seen as they give double points?

Meridian · 11 Aug 2008 at 19:03

FrostedNipple said:
ahh ok lol. Do platelets hurt? Giving blood doesn't but there must be some sort of disadvantage to platelets seen as they give double points?

Well, for a start they can only be donated at about fourteen places in the UK - I travel about eighteen miles to donate and I'm lucky to be that close - see poopots reply above.

Then there's the fact that it takes nearly two hours in total.

On the plus side, the nurses bring drinks and food to the bedside. As well as the biccies and coffee there's usually sarnies/rolls.

M