Like has been mentioned in a few posts, they're always short on this. I almost wonder if they don't claim it hoping people will be encouraged to donate that way.Originally Posted by sean_mackrory
Like has been mentioned in a few posts, they're always short on this. I almost wonder if they don't claim it hoping people will be encouraged to donate that way.
Well I wouldn't put it past them of course but...
Whole Blood and other products have a fairly short "shelf life" so it does need to be replenished often. Its really not the most painless procedure in the world, you have to get a needle suck in your arm after being asked some really personal questions that can make a lot of people embarassed. There are a lot of disqualifing factors (some temporary) that reduces the pool down further. Its harder and harder to get people to act out of the goodness of their heart anymore. And there is a war going on right now.
So with all those factors I can believe that the national blood supply is lower then they'd like. I guess part of me wants to believe its worthwhile, which is the part of me that wins out in this case.
Hmm, your experience was vastly different than mine. Did you go through the Red Cross? The needle placed into my arm was pretty much painless, even though it was an inexperienced (and very prettyIts really not the most painless procedure in the world, you have to get a needle suck in your arm after being asked some really personal questions that can make a lot of people embarassed.) nurse doing the procedure.
Also, they never asked me anything, rather at the forefront I just filled out a questionaire...they inspected it and did ask me about a couple of items but it wasn't a thorough interview. And, even then, they have a piece of paper with two pieces of sticky barcode: the doctor steps out of the area and if you truthfully filled out the questionaire you select the barcode that says 'use my blood' and put stick it to the documentation. If you were embarrased, but did not want to admit to anything personal (typically sexual) on the questionaire, you choose the 'do not use my blood' sticky barcode. They will still let you go through the process and will test your blood for diseases and inform you if you infected, but will not allow it to be donated (so you won't have the nagging feeling that you might be hurting someone).
You'll save lives, it's a noble cause that you don't need money to donate to, you get pizza, you will feel virtuous after doing it.
I'm not immature, I'm refined in the opposite direction.
Well I hate needles with a passion so getting stuck is never painless for me. Granted in reality it really doesn't hurt. This last time I gave it was just the questionare and review, and of course answering the question of where I was outside the U.S. in the last three years (I can finally say no to that question the next time I give). However the times before that you would fill out the family history part of the form but some of the questions had to be asked by the interviewer, like (for males) "Have you ever had sexual contact with another male ever". I gotta give props to the interviewer, the finger prick didn't hurt a bit this time.
Oh and I doubt it was a doctor doing the interview, its kinda a waste of resources. And I see more LVNs and phlebotomist doing the actual collection, with an RN supervising.
>>Oh and I doubt it was a doctor doing the interview, its kinda a waste of resources. And I see more LVNs and phlebotomist doing the actual collection, with an RN supervising.
Yeah that's probably correct. I salute you for giving blood despite your needle phobia.
I'm not immature, I'm refined in the opposite direction.
