for anybody who thinking about giving blood

You should not give blood if:

You've already given blood in the last 12 weeks (normally, you must wait 16 weeks).

You have a chesty cough, sore throat or active cold sore.

You're currently taking antibiotics or you have just finished a course within the last seven days or have had any infection in that last two weeks.

You've had hepatitis or jaundice in the last 12 months.

You've had a tattoo, semi-permanent make up or any cosmetic treatments that involves skin piercing in the last 6 months.

You have had acupuncture in the last 4 months, unless this was done within the NHS or by a qualified Healthcare Professional registered with a statutory body.

A member of your family (parent, brother, sister or child) has suffered with CJD (Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease). To view the position statement on CJD click here.

You've ever received human pituitary extract (which was used in some growth hormone or fertility treatments before 1985).

You have received blood or think you may have received blood during the course of any medical treatment or procedure anywhere in the world since 1st January 1980.

You may not be able to give blood if:

You've had a serious illness or major surgery in the past or are currently on medication. Please discuss this with the clinical staff. The reason you're taking medicines may prevent you from donating.

You've had complicated dental work. Simple fillings are OK after 24 hours, as are simple extractions after 7 days.

You've been in contact with an infectious disease or have been given certain immunisations in the last four weeks.

You're presently on a hospital waiting list or undergoing medical tests.

You do not weigh over 50kgs (7st 12).

If you are unsure please call our 24 hour donor helpline on 0300 123 23 23.

Pregnancy
You should not give blood if you are pregnant or you are a woman who has had a baby in the last 9 months.

Travel abroad

Please wait 6 months after returning from a malarial area before giving blood. Please also tell us if you have visited Central/South America at any time. (Those who've had Malaria, or an undiagnosed illness associated with travel, may not however be able to give blood.)

If you are unsure please call our 24 hour donor helpline on 0300 123 23 23.

West Nile virus

Have you been to or plan to go to CANADA or the UNITED STATES this Summer? If yes, please click here, as it might affect you giving blood.
The special problem of HIV and Hepatitis viruses

• Every single blood donation is tested for HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and hepatitis B and C.
  
• Infected blood isn't used in transfusions but our test may not always detect the early stages of viral infection.
  
• The chance of infected blood getting past our screening tests is very small, but we rely on your help and co-operation.
  
• People who carry these viruses may feel healthy for many years.

You should never give blood if:

You have ever had syphilis, HTVL (Human T - lymphotorpic virus), hepatitis B or C or think you may have hepatitis now

You're a man who's had sex with another man, even safe sex using a condom. For more information click here.

You've ever worked as a prostitute.

You've ever injected yourself with drugs - even once.

You should not give blood for 12 months after sex with:

A man who has had sex with another man (if you're a female).

A prostitute.

Anyone who has ever injected themselves with drugs.

Anyone with haemophilia or a related blood clotting disorder who has received clotting factor concentrates.

Anyone of any race who has been sexually active in parts of the world where AIDS/HIV is very common. This includes countries in Africa.

come on people do your good deed for the year register to the blood donor i just done it

Good for you, Steve. As soon as they come back this way, I'll give.

good girl

I really would love to but i just cant do it! I went with my mum once and was only watching and passed out! She wasnt very happy coz i had 2 lie on her bed and have her biscuit!! lol

i got my mum to do awell i'm working on my dad but he a grump at time then i would work on my sister and her oh

12-16 weeks thats gone up sure it used to be 2 months.
I always say I'll do it but never do.

Did you get a brew and biscuit Steve? sure last time my mum went she said on the phone that she didn't get one or the other

i have not been yet i just register i think they are where i live on 31st on december

Oh right. Well done for sticking your name down.....cheers for link I'll take a peak

yea i'm going give them as much as possiblie it's good deed..... u could save someone life...... i have alwasy wanted to do this i just hope i am good enough...

I would register but i hate needles im bad enough having a blood test

I've signed up...been saying I will do it for years.....Thanks for the kick up the backside

how much do they take from you do you know?

No idea I'll text my mum tomorrow and ask her for you.

someone told me a pint but i'm big boy i'm sure i could give them more

Yes, it's a pint (or the metric equivalent now I suppose), and they won't take more unless there's a medical emergency & they're short of blood.

What happens next Steve?
We registered over 3 weeks ago. Do we wait for them to contact us first or do I just phone up and get myself booked into one locally since I am now registered?

i got a letter wit hte cd buti haven't heard anything yet too i think i may phone them up, do you get tested on the day or do you have to go before hand?

I haven't even got a letter yet. I might phone up and ask if they can send a record instead of a cd

ooo yea blue they phoned me up today i'm book in for half 12 on 31 of dec they going sent me a questionaire or something like that.

i still have a couple

Steve wrote:i got a letter wit hte cd buti haven't heard anything yet too i think i may phone them up, do you get tested on the day or do you have to go before hand?

It's on the day, Steve.

bigwazza wrote:

Steve wrote:ooo yea blue they phoned me up today i'm book in for half 12 on 31 of dec they going sent me a questionaire or something like that.

steve did you know you cant drink alcohol for 24 hours after givin blood good newyear for you then lol

It's never stopped me!!!

I still haven't even had a letter. Can't understand why they haven't contacted me. I have some really expensive alcoholic drinks in my blood system at the moment, im a catch.

Im willing to give blood but hey Steve think I'd have to draw the line on 24th 2th 26th 30th dec and 1st Jan

i'm going still drink i lost a few pint in the past and it didn't stop me drinking

i'm not doing nothing this year, the hole family is have a big do for my dads 60th birthday party on the 29th i will only drink beer not so i will have day and half to recover