Can alcoholics give blood?

[stepintime]

Just wondering, cuz I am doing it for the first time, tomorrow.

It's just the booze. Otherwise I am incredibly healthy.

[Eve11]

Can alcoholics give blood?

Step,

Per an M.D. who is a blood expert - found this to try to answer your question. It's not clear however what they are measuring to define an alcoholic versus a problem drinker. Also, this is for the U.S.-not sure what the standards are in the U.K.

To educate us - share what screeing process you went though. Did they ask how much you drank and refused to take your blood if you were considered a chronic drinker?

Eve11

33. How is the American blood supply ever to be considered "safe" if major blood collection is obtained from junkies, alcoholics, and prostitutes, male or female. The major portion of the population is totally unaware of where the blood comes from. As defined in RED GOLD testing for hepatitis B and C is routine only in larger metropolitan areas [sic]. Even the testing for AIDS is stated to be 99% accurate [sic], does that mean that one unit in a hundred is infected? If a hospital uses 23,000 units a year is that an acceptable infection rate?

Answer: The rigorous screening process currently in use ensures that junkies, alcoholics, and prostitutes are not able to donate blood. All blood collected in the U.S. is screened for hepatitis B and C. The testing for AIDS used at present fails about two times in a million.

[Marshy]

Can alcoholics give blood?

There are loads of restrictions - obviously! Even having a sore throat disqualifies you for the time being.
Here's a quick test to see if you'll be eligible tomorrow:

The National Blood Service - do something amazing donate Blood

[stepintime]

Can alcoholics give blood?

Thank you. I'll let you know what they say tomorrow.

[42cat]

Can alcoholics give blood?

I donated while drinking ... (well, not "while" drinking.... but up until the evening before). I didn't tell them. No one asked. They asked me a normal pile of questions and did an "iron test" first ....

Everything seemed to go through OK, and I got a letter a short while later, and a card (I was a new donor), thanking me, saying that my blood will help,etc., and asking me to please donate again after 56 days. I'm in Canada.

[mario]

Can alcoholics give blood?

I gave blood no problem

[brittzak]

Can alcoholics give blood?

I have given NUMEROUS times and they take it every time!

[stepintime]

Can alcoholics give blood?

Aw thanks everyone. Especially 42 cat (cuz that was what I was really asking!! ooops).
Anyway, in the end - it wasn't really an issue, cuz no sooner had I stepped through the door of the blood mobile, I was leaving!
Seems I'm not the right weight!!! Aparently, you have to be a minimum of 110 1bs.
I wouldn't have thought it would matter, what weight you were, as long as you are healthy! Aside from being an alcoholic, I am undeservedly very fit and active, and healthy.
they 'picky buggers' they are!!

[Sunbeam]

Can alcoholics give blood?

I was turned down once - yes, I do remember being young and THAT thin! Now if I could just get back down from size 10 to size 8; my days of smaller sizes that that are gone forever!