Blooooooood! (bank)

[JEPPE]

One in 30 actually give blood. Yet sooner or later, one in three of us will need it.

OK All... If you ever meet me you will most likely hear be rant about donating blood, usually every 3 months when I'm due and I get a new energy about it (like tonight)

But now I am donating plasma! As I have AB+ which is a universal receiver in blood (not very useful) but a universal donor in Plasma (very useful as it is the only on of this type and only 3% of population is so) it is much more logical for me to donate plasma instead. BUT this means I donate every two weeks so my rants are going to be more often, therefore I am making one MASSIVE RANT.

Basically.... DONATE. And don't talk to me about being afraid of needles because when your family member is on the hospital bed with cancer needing a transfusion which isn't coming you'll be wishing that sticking a needle in your arm could change anything. Harsh but true. If you've lost someone dear to you, you will understand.

So I'm heading in 2 weeks to donate again and I would like to get a group of SAU's from Melb together. I usually go to the blood bank in Southbank which is open late.

Process usually goes like this:

Walk in, grab a lollie from reception and tell them you're there. Head to waiting area where you eat some cookies and weight yourself. Head into your interview to make sure you are still healthy... maybe ask for some lollies. Get shown to donor area, chill out in comfy recliners, offered a milk shake and a doona. Donate your blood, head to canteen and nom some sausage rolls, more milk shake and as many lollies as you can handle... go home. Pretty relaxing really!

If you're interested in making a difference please let me know, I can't explain in words how much I urge people to do this. If you are elligible there really is no excuse.

Don't be a little dog. Give blood.

Peace.

BLOOD TYPES (for blood only, plasma is different):

Blood type O - usually best for whole blood donations, particularly O negative which can be given to anyone. O positive plasma and platelets are also in high demand

Blood type B - one of the rarest blood types and donors are always needed, particularly for plasma donations.

Blood type A - whole blood donations can help other type As and type ABs. Type A negative donations are in high demand for red cells and A positive donations are important for plasma and platelets.

Blood type AB - the rarest blood type however AB plasma can help people with any blood type so plasma donations of this blood type are always in demand.

[JEPPE]

Oh... and if there is enough interest will organise a meet somewhere to cruise together if convinient, heaps of parking at the place anyway.

[JamesK]

Oh... and if there is enough interest will organise a meet somewhere to cruise together if convinient, heaps of parking at the place anyway.

Can we wait like 2 more months? I cant give again till then lol, I give every 3 months but I'm planning to try plasma since its a bi-weekly basis but it takes substantially longer so I haven't had the time but that 3 tube 1 needle thing looks wicked!

EDIT: Oh I just read your entire post and noticed your actually donating plasma...hmm maybe I might come down for this if I don't have exams around that time

[JEPPE]

Nice one Yup I will be there every two weeks, the machine set up is rad, I didn't notice it taking longer than normal blood but maybe I just have a faster flow than others.

When are you due next for plasma? Available in two weeks?

[vspecIInur]

I did my own test to find out my blood and I'm pretty sure it's O- considering it's common. I use to work in a pharmaceutical company (CSL Bioplasma) that actually received the donated blood for extraction of blood plasma. The plasma is then separated to many products hence why it's very important. The fact is I did a couple of donations when they had the australian red cross truck on site. Entirely voluntary yet making a significant difference when you do. Provide a date and maybe I can come seeing as it has been 2.5 years since I donated blood.

[fasthally]

Good idea

[JamesK]

Nice one Yup I will be there every two weeks, the machine set up is rad, I didn't notice it taking longer than normal blood but maybe I just have a faster flow than others.

When are you due next for plasma? Available in two weeks?

Haha maybe will have to check my exam schedule, although I'm currently procrastinating by putting off the two assignments which are due in 24 hours.....sigh......want sleep....hate college

Will check after assignments

[adznight]

I really should do this. Never donated, I should HTFU and do it.

[JamesK]

I really should do this. Never donated, I should HTFU and do it.

NEVER? You stingy, Low Life, Inconsiderate, Punk Bitch......Hope to see you there

[HEKT1K]

I don't think it's fair or appropriate to belittle those who haven't given blood for any reason.

I am a semi-regular blood donor, and i think this is a great initiative, but let's be encouraging about it rather than demeaning.

[shaun123]

can you give blood if you smoke?

[vspecIInur]

Yeap as long as you dont have any types of blood related diseases or diseases that are involved with the blood ie. Hepatitis (A-E), HIV, Aids, sickle cell anaemia and so fourth

[JamesK]

I don't think it's fair or appropriate to belittle those who haven't given blood for any reason.

I am a semi-regular blood donor, and i think this is a great initiative, but let's be encouraging about it rather than demeaning.

Hahahah Hektic, I was being sarcastic of course I want him to donate but if he wants to or not it's his business I don't care! Lol you really think I would attack someone out or the blue, let alone a well respected moderator such as Adz?

can you give blood if you smoke?

Yup Yup, Just don't smoke immediately afterward....unless you want the buzz lol

[JEPPE]

Yeah Adz you should come!!! It's more rewarding than you think

I personally do not frequent party drugs or dope but I know that even if you do you might still be able to donate, so don't let that hold you back!

Check this out to see if you're eligible: http://www.donateblood.com.au/page.aspx?IDDataTreeMenu=39

Ric: I know what you mean, I don't mean to offend anyone and what I say certainly isn't personal. But I've tried for years to be nice about it and you know how many people donated? Big fat zero. So I hope you understand why I'm a bit overzealous in my approach. No offence intended

Would be awesome if you could join us!

[StealthX]

I'll join in from WA. Although I'll have to wait, I'm still not 12 months from my last tattoo hoping I can get straight back inti plasma and whole blood, maybe even platelets asap!

Good cause, more people should do it, such a good thing to do...

[Basti]

I'm down for this. Gimme till the end of next week though as I finsh exams then. I think I'm due for my next donation anyway. I'll be doing full blood.

[esther]

Whats the go with people how are pierced or tattoo'd? Can we still donate or do we have to wait a certain amount of time?

[scotty014]

Whats the go with people how are pierced or tattoo'd? Can we still donate or do we have to wait a certain amount of time?

you have to wait a certain amount of time, i think it was 6 months but i could be wrong so dont quote me on that.

[AGE]

I really should do this. Never donated, I should HTFU and do it.

If you need your hand held i'll be there Adz.

Name the date and time and I will be there. I was due to give blood last month, so i'm overdue.

[blind_elk]

What ever happened to the group I organised a couple of years ago?