Blood donors?

I've always wanted to do it because my mum and dad have always done it, but like Nic, i've always had either a piercing or a tattoo for less than a year.

They don't want my blood. Well, not quite, but they asked me if I wanted to give blood plasma instead (that's blood minus any red blood cells) because my blood as such is only of limited use as far as transfusions are concerned.

And if you think donating blood is scary, try donating plasma. They hook you up to this big machine which filters the red blood cells out. Every ten minutes or so, the receptacle with the filtered cells is emptied. Into your vein, That's right, not only are you donating, but they return what they don't want. On the plus side, it's not any more painful than the regular procedure, and because you get some of the liquid back, the risk of fainting is reduced.

I tried once in high school, but my iron was too low. then I donated once when the bloodmobile came to my work. then I donated at the blood bank on 9-11-2001. had to wait 5 hours, and then the nurse said my iron was too low. I got the most forlorn look on my face, so she tested another finger and pretended it was ok so I gave blood. I got so sick the next day, I threw up a lot and had a fever.

Everytime I go they tell me I can't because I have a fresh piercing

The whole "Living in the UK between the years of 1991 and 1995" always nips that in the bud. I think their reasoning is: if she doesn't keel over from Mad Cow disease in the next two years, she's ours, ALL OURS.

Ahem.

hey, i worked at a blood bank for 2 years. i used to donate regularly because i could do it during work hours, plus i could process my own blood down in the lab and check out the quality of my plasma (nice and clear, thank you very much). i could also check all my test results which was always comforting. i'm o neg, and cmv neg. haven't donated since i quit because it's not as appealing since i can't process my blood and it always make s me really sleepy all day afterwards, but i will soon since my blood is so awesome.

oh, so that's the rule! i was wondering 'cause i got my first tattoo in february.

yeah, i donate regularly. i guess one more year till i can donate again. my mom tells me not to donate 'cause she's worried i'll pass out 'cause i'm skinny. i just remind her that i've been doing it since high school.

I suppose this also brings up another question. Whats your blood type?

O+ for me.

O-

universal.

yeah I am a regular donor due back in may actually and since I am O possitive they are always on my ass bout going down there, being the universal donor and all. I don't mind it is to help save a life.

I'm an organ donor... but I get to keep all of them until I die.

I donate plasma though... you can do it more often, and you can get paid more for it.

I'm REALLY white too, and right at the weight limit I guess. In high school I gave blood and went blind for 15 minutes, scariest thing ever. I've given a couple times since and denied (weight thing) a couple times. Soon, I will register for the bone marrow list, and YOU should too!!!!

i can't donate blood cuz i've spent over a year in england, damn bvs..

I've always wanted to, but I can't because of tattoos and piercings. But I like getting blood taken, I always turn my head away at first, but then turn around and watch.