Blood Donations

[Rerun]

I took an opportunity to donate blood today. As those of you who donate know, before taking the blood, a nurse asks a series of questions about your sexual history, etc. to see if you might be at risk for HIV/AIDS. The following are two of the questions they ask:

1. In the last 12 months, have you given anyone money or drugs in exchange for sex?
2. In the last 12 months, have you had sex with anyone who has ever taken money or drugs in exchange for sex?

Not having the strength of character to tell the truth, I answered no to these questions, even though, like most of us, I have paid money for sex in the last year. I'm wondering if any hobbyists who donate actually answer this question honestly. Being the pathetic soul that I am, I'm too embarrassed to answer honestly. I rationalize my lie by telling myself I paid for 'time and companionship', not sex. Though when you think about it, that sounds even more pathetic!

So let's hear from everyone. How many of you actually tell the nurse the truth???

 

[drlove]

I would.. but if you do that, it defeats the purpose of donating in the first place, as they will not use an individual's blood if the person in question exhibits too many risk factors.

 

[hambone]

Do you realize you are possibly putting others at risk by lying?

 

[Rerun]

Do you realize you are possibly putting others at risk by lying?

They do test the blood before using it.

 

[drlove]

then what's the point of asking??

 

[silv19]

Because the testing isn't 100% accurate. They ask so you don't bother if you are in a high risk group. It makes the testing more accurate because they eliminate high risk. Thanks for putting our health care and blood supply in danger.

Nice, very nice.

 

[Rerun]

Okay, now I feel bad. My thinking was that there's a real need for blood and whatever hobbying I have done had included all possible precautions (everything covered; no daty, street action, drugs, etc.). If I engaged in any 'real' high risk behaviour I certainly would not donate (this was my first donation since I started hobbying 1.5 years ago). But I guess I shouldn't donate anyway unless I stop hobbying. Perhaps better to err on the side of safty.

 

[Rerun]

There's a number I can call to inform the Canadian Blood Services that the blood I donated should not be used. I'll do this tomorrow. I know the blood is perfectly fine, but just to be on the safe side.....

 

[Chivas Regal]

On the subject of CBS....

There whole appointment set up is a farce. I have been a regular donor for 20 years, my blood is of the type that I am a universal donor- O neg, if you have it you should donate. It goes stright to Sick Kids in the GTA. My issue is that I make appointments and still have to wait 2 hours to get in and out. Sorry, but that is just poor customer service. I know I am not better than anyone else, but they are the ones calling me every month to donate. So, if you are reading this CBS, please honour your appointments, and HIRE more nurses!

Rant over,
Chivas

 

[Rerun]

CBS Questions....

Another point:

The questions about paying 'money or drugs' for sex are double barrelled in that they're asking about two different things in the same question. To my mind, a separate question should be asked for each (ie, a separate question for 'money' and a separate question for 'drugs'). Where lifesyle is concerned, more often than not, there's a big difference between people who pay money for sex and those who provide drugs in exchange for sex. It's likely safe to assume that most johns on this board aren't trading drugs for sex.

 

[Goober Mcfly]

But I thought donations exchanged are exclusively for time and companionship, anything else that may or may not happen is a matter of personal choice; personal preference between two or more consenting adults of legal age, and is not contracted for nor is it requested to be contracted for, or compensated for in any manner whatsoever.*










*copied from Dani's website

 

[jerbear]

Sorry scared of needles.
It would be out quicker than it went in.
I don't know why? Pains not an issue.

 

[pico]

Did you remember to call CBS???

Just wondering if you remembered to follow through...

You are needlessly putting others at risk by lying. There is no need for this as these screening measures are in place for a reason.

I know that in Niagara, as a secondary measure, they use a "yes/no" barcode sticker system - in case you were nervous and lied about some of the questions. You choose the "yes" sticker if you think your blood is safe, otherwise you choose "no". The nurse turns around so that she can't see your choice. You pick one of the bar codes and place it on your form. You can't tell if it is "yes" or "no" just by looking at it. And you place your left-over sticker in the garbage.

Then you continue the donation process.

If it was me, I would politely inform the nurse that after considering the questions, I would not be able to donate today, and walk away without wasting my time actually donating the blood. In the off chance that she has the audacity to ask what the reason is, I would politely decline by saying "I'm sorry, it's a private matter - I won't be able to donate today".

It's that simple. No need to make a big deal out of it.

Just MHO.

 

[Jacques_Offe]

do NOT give

No test is perfect. Why take a chance. Do not give blood in the future. Someone asks "why" tell 'em you had dengue fever.

 

[Rerun]

Re: Did you remember to call CBS???

Just wondering if you remembered to follow through...


Yes I did. I telephoned and cancelled my donation the following day.