CAN WE DONATE BLOOD??

[Bernice]

I don't know, this may be like a crazy question, but for some reason the thought came to my mind yesterday. I don't have plans, but would like to know for the future. There are some autoimmune diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C and maybe some others I am not aware of that will prevent one from donating.

If anyone knows the answer please give answer. If this is a dumb question, please forgive!

Peace & Be Blessed!
Bernice

[navydad]

I dont know why we wouldnt be able to give blood I think they check it pretty good for HIV and other stuff,, but I bet alot of stuff still gets through,, I have to have two units of blood for my surgery thats coming up,, My boys are considering giving blood for me,, or I;m going to give my own blood

[Bernice]

Navydad,
I mean can we donate to others???

[lighthouse33]

The answer is no.  Check out this hyperlink:

http://arthritis.about.com/od/arthqa/f/blooddonation.htm

[ruby52]

I did not know that!Thanks for the question and the link.You learn something new everyday.
                                                           Ruby

[Crabcakes]

Blood banks don't test for lupus or Sjogren's. It is because of the drugs and condition of your red (microcytic/small or anemic) and white cells that you may be rejected. I worked for many years in a blood bank. The blood is screened for HIV and most hepatitis, along with CMV. The blood can't possibly be tested for EVERYTHING!

Two interesting, and very rare, cases come to mind, many years ago. A hospital director was given two units of blood, and died of malaria from the transfusion. Even though the donor had not traveled out of the country in the previous three years (As asked on the screening application then) he had been carrying the dormant malarial parasite for many years, and it was transmitted to the patient!

Not a transfusion story, but, a park ranger had died, and he was an organ donor. His corneas went to a patient, who dies of rabies! The ranger had contracted the rabies virus (which has an affinity for corneal tissue) and passed it on to the cornea recipient.

Anyway, blood banks do a heck of a job keeping the blood supply as safe as possible!

[Poochie]

We shouldn't donate blood, nor should we donate organs.  Not that any of us are anxious to do so, but my rheumy had me remove my Organ Donor from my driver's license. 

Pooh

[lynnmarie219]

I am still listed as an organ donor...I guess I better have it removed....that's kind of sad to me...I wanted to be able to give to others what they might need for organs etc. after I am gone....but I don't want to give people more problems because of my autoimmune issues! 

[Scottietottie]

Hi

I used to be a regular blood donor but got 'struck off' when the autoimmune stuff raised its ugly head. I got a little badge, a thank you letter and a certificate but they definitely don't want any more blood.

Take care - Scottie

[Pisces24]

I didn't think we could donate.

BUT everytime I see a dr he wants at least 5 tubes of the stuff.   
I do not know what drs do with the leftovers?? Do You?  LOL 

[Spring]

I have donated with no problem, and I told them up front about the Sjogrens. I called before I went in the they double checked when I was there. I even donated platelets a couple times. I advise you to contact your blood bank-they will have a list.

[Linda196]

Canadian blood services reject donors who have autoimmune disease diagnosed by positive antibodies, because they can cause problems with cross matching and/or set up reactions in the recipient. They also reject any donors who receive steroid treatment, chemotherapy, or biologic therapy like Enbrel, because of the possibility of reactions in the recipient. The same antibody guidelines have been proposed for organ donation, but not the drug ones.

Incidentally, HIV and Hep C are immune system diseases both resulting from viral attack on the immune system, They are NOT autoimmune.

[hollyvad]

This was a great question to ask, and from the response, there seems to be many thoughts.  Personally, I think I will keep my blood to myself.  The thought of donating it and putting someone in jeopardy is awful.   

[irish]

My understanding is also that we are not to donate. I called and asked at a center one time. Also. know how autoimmune diseases are I can just see going into a flare from the stress of donating blood.

Also, HIV is a virus and Hepatitis is also generally a virus. There are some hepatitis that is related to autoimmune diseasee but that one is not transmitted through transfusion to my knowledge. Hepatitis can be caused from other issues also---I think as a secondary infection. People that have typhoid fever will end up with hepatitis. I think that is the disease. Linda will know!!! Irish

[DragonflyC]

According to the Red Cross criteria, it looks like we are OK to donate if not flaring:  http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=c984510f935ea110VgnVCM10000030f3870aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e081912c9973b110VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD

They list diabetes as OK if controlled, and type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease.

I've heard, though, that people with active antibody activity shouldn't donate; I can't find anything to confirm that, so it might not be true.

Also, as for organ donation, it shouldn't hurt to have it listed on your license.  If you don't have any organ damage, you might still be able to donate (e.g., my SJS doesn't affect my kidneys, liver, etc. as it does some people's).  They decide on a case-by-case basis.  While there is some risk of transferring the disease, the life saving effect outweighs that most of the time.  I would check with your rheum before having it removed from your license.  I think that some of us shouldn't, but it's probably fine for most of us.