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Original poster

Giving blood in the time of Rona

14 replies

musicalfrog · 20/09/2020 10:31

Just been turned away from giving blood because I had a sore throat a week ago. Was asked did i have a covid test? No, it's not a covid symptom. Was told i probably shouldn't even be there. What the fuck?

I waited 6 months for that appointment, i so badly wanted to help. Now i feel like i can't be bothered booking in again.

It would have been my first time.

Sad
OP posts:
UnaMujer · 20/09/2020 11:24

Please don’t call it ‘Rona’

GetUpAgain · 20/09/2020 11:26

The blood taking people are incredibly cautious- but for good reason, they have to be. Please don't let it put you off trying again in future. I know its disappointing when you are geared up to do something helpful and then you are 'rejected' but they just can't afford to take any chances.

crosser62 · 20/09/2020 11:30

Just see at as postponed.
You need to be well.
Do you think that they turned you away to annoy you.
There’s really good reasons so suck it up and just book again.
Simple.

OooErrThor · 20/09/2020 11:34

I've been cancelled twice as they can't get the staff to take the blood. I'm trying again but the next available slot is December!

Firefliess · 20/09/2020 11:41

If the next slot they have free is December I'd take that as great news that they must have plenty of blood donors right now, so relax and wait til they need you.

August20 · 20/09/2020 11:42

Ah, giving blood can be a logistical nightmare! I have turned up several times and been turned away (veins too small for the needles they had (!), iron count too low, they were short staffed) not to mention times I had to rule myself out (recent travel, illness).

It can be frustrating especially when you travel for an appointment and if it seems like staff are brushing you off or talking down to you when you try to do a nice thing BUT it is so incredibly important that the blood they give to patients is safe. That has to be the priority over donor feelings.

I find it best to thoroughly check the website for everything before I go. Things I don't think about like hand creams have been issues in the past.

They do ask for you to wait 28 days from recovery of a sore throat before donating:

my.blood.co.uk/KnowledgeBase/Index/coronavirus%20infection

Original poster
musicalfrog · 20/09/2020 11:44

@UnaMujer

Please don’t call it ‘Rona’
Fair point, sorry.
OP posts:
Original poster
musicalfrog · 20/09/2020 12:54

@August20

I wish they had linked to that list in the emails they sent me. Would have saved me time, fuel and effort.

OP posts:
LilyPond2 · 20/09/2020 13:28

OP, sore throat most definitely can be a Covid symptom, albeit it is not on the UK government's very limited list of symptoms requiring a test. However, I agree with you that the blood service should be giving out clear information in advance regarding what symptoms exclude people from giving blood.

PuzzledObserver · 20/09/2020 13:54

Irrespective of whether sore throat is a Covid symptom, it has always been a reason for your offer to give blood to be declined. If you have had any symptoms of any infectious disease in the previous 14 days, they won’t take it. That’s to protect the extremely vulnerable person who may receive your blood from coming down with something which, to you, is a minor inconvenience, but to them could be very serious.

The80sweregreat · 20/09/2020 13:57

Was all ready to go the other week and had a text to say it was cancelled an hour beforehand.
Have an appointment in January now.

bethany39 · 20/09/2020 14:00

You're not supposed to give blood if you have had cold symptoms in the last fortnight anyway let alone at the moment

alreadytaken · 20/09/2020 15:29

I'm no longer able to give blood, unfortunately. It's such a great thing to do and I always felt better for the rest of the day. Whether that was just pride or if there was actually a medical reason I never found out.

Be prepared for them only letting you have a cold drink the first time - that was my excuse to ask for a can of lager. Dont know if they still offer those, it may just be squash in a cash starved health service.

People get told they cant donate all the time - sore throats, recently pierced ears, recent holiday to some locations. You sometimes wonder if anyone is left, that's why it's so vital that those who can donate.

Original poster
musicalfrog · 20/09/2020 16:06

@bethany39

You're not supposed to give blood if you have had cold symptoms in the last fortnight anyway let alone at the moment
Not what was suggested to me. I suppose you live and learn but i do think this could have been better done (like most things these days).
OP posts:
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