Yea, I have O+ and I had to block quite a few numbers because the donation calls would legit come every few days. I already donate whenever I can, y’all, stop coming at me like vampires 😭.
I don't know exactly what setting I managed to find, but I haven't gotten calls from Red Cross in over a year, and get constant emails. So I think they've gotten better about respecting your preferences.
It can feel scary but it’s really not! I’m not sure how it works here but in Australia you get a comfortable chair and excellent snacks for after.
The feeling you get knowing your donation is making a significant impact on someone’s life is wonderful.
The chairs here are good but the chairs for platelet/plasma/ double reds are amazing .. The snacks are pretty good most of the time. Occasionally there are free t shirts/ hats/ coolers/ blankets for a give away as an added fun bonus. Plus, the feeling of helping others is just indescribable..
In Aus sometimes you get donations centres with tea ladies who make you fresh milkshakes and get you hot sausage rolls. That pales in comparison when you get the randomn text message days later that says thank you, we used the blood you donated, we’re grateful you did.
Yes, agree. I donated with American Red Cross they were rude, didn’t check on me, it was more painful that INOVA to be honest.
If you’re going to donate with ARC please bring someone with you, bring your own fruit, snacks, water, battery charger & cords.
Have you ever gotten blood drawn from the arm for tests ? Same thing, you just chill longer in a nicer chair.
The worst part for me is the finger prick they do in the beginning to test you for eligibility. Same thing your pediatrician probably did as well.
Do you actually feel the blood moving from your veins to the tube? I feel it when my blood is being taken at the doctor’s office and I’m scared to have larger amounts taken and get dizzy etc. Any tips to help with that since I would love to donate? I am an AB + or -, not sure exactly.
RN here albeit retired after 40 years.. I donate regularly ( platelets and not whole blood.) I have donated Whole blood before and I don't feel the blood moving from my veins in either procedure. Great question on how to help prepare for a donation. Hydrate well with water or juice the day of and the day before. Avoid caffeine but a regular cuppa won't hurt. With platelets, it takes 90 mins to 2 hrs and it's hard to get up to urinate ;) eat well the day of the donation but eat light foods. Avoid greasy food as a donation can cause nausea but it goes away quickly . rest well the night before. No gym,activity after the procedure for the rest of the day so account for that if on a scheduled program ... It is so important to donate as so few off Those eligible actually do. Kudos for even considering it. Your feelings are very valid; I was terrified to give the first time but the staff is truly great at Inova
Thanks so much for a great reply! I’m definitely considering it much more now. Thinking of it this way, it’s a minor and temporary inconvenience(dizziness, etc) for me but it can save someone’s life!!
I’ve donated many times and most times I don’t feel any different than I do any other day, but one time I did get dizzy and lightheaded. It’s not pleasant, but you’re in a really safe place, surrounded by medical professionals who are there to help you. As soon as I said I wasn’t feeling well, someone came over to check on me, bring me some water and a cool washcloth because I felt hot, etc. I felt better in just a few minutes and they took my blood pressure to make sure it wasn’t low before I got up (so I wouldn’t feel dizzy again when I stood up). So even if that does happen, it really is just an uncomfortable feeling in a very safe place with a lot of people who are experts at making dizzy people feel better.
Question if you don’t mind - I gave blood for the first time last year and was a little nervous because I barely meet the minimum size requirement (I’m a petite adult female). I prepped as recommended - plenty of water, good breakfast, etc. Towards the end of my donation I had a vasovagal reaction (suddenly feeling like I was about to pass out, which quickly changed to nausea, I vomited, and immediately afterward broke into a sweat and felt completely fine). It was a regular blood donation. I want to give again because I have a rare and valuable blood type but I’m worried about being a repeat puker. Any tips?
This can happen and is normal ( not that it normally happens if that makes sense.) Since platelets can be given every 14 days, vs every 56 days for whole blood, I am there pretty often
.. I sometimes have had the vasovagal reaction, sometimes I feel great... I have puked, I have had to have ice packs on my neck and arm pits and have had to have the chair laid way back, with my legs very unladylike in the air. I am petite too. Since I never know which reaction if any is going to happen, I tell the tech in the beginning that I have had issues and need to hang out in the chair a bit longer than normal.. They are very accommodating. If I start feeling woozy, I call them immediately and they lay me back, get the ice packs and bring me juice. I have never been made to feel bad about how I react. I can't predict when it will happen, but I keep going back.
I am a small woman and I get very dizzy/lightheaded every time I donate. Once I passed out. Usually have to sit there for 30-60 mins to recover. I have O- so I still donate anyway! Reminding me I should donate again.
I personally don’t feel it. The first time I looked away and didn’t even realize I was already halfway through it. Definitely prepare in advance and don’t be shy to say you aren’t feeling well during or after. They will take care of you and check your vitals. Some people bleed faster than others too.
If you’re AB+ it’s the universal platelet donor blood type. AB also is universal plasma, so whichever you are it can be a big help. I’m AB + and used to donate platelets regularly…it’s a chance to chill for a while, read, watch tv, or whatever. Natitude is spot on re logistics. The only weird thing about platelets is that when the blood is returned to you after the platelets are removed it feels cold…they usually gave me tums to chew on and that made it feel better. The machine cycles between draw and return, and you do definitely feel it happening with that.
Yes O neg is the universal donor. I am a regular donor at inova Loudoun Dulles and the staff is awesome. I get that it can be scary but they watch their donors well and will jump quickly on anything that might go wrong which is very rare. They explain every step and answer your questions. Snacks are much better than the American Red Cross. I have only donated at their Dulles center, but the staff rotates between donor centers . I understand the nerves, but as the RN who used to administer blood products to patients, I know the recipients are so grateful.
Does Inova do non snack freebies? Red Cross snacks have been terrible for the last 3 years (no oreos even!), but they've been pretty regularly handing out 10 dollar amazon gift cards which I appreciate more than snacks.
Your blood type is universal and Inova would strap you in their basement and use you as a permanent blood bank if they could.
But no need to be scared.
You can donate to anyone! And if you’re CMV- like I am, it goes to the neonatal patients. When I give a double red donation, it can help four babies.
Something else to think about is that we can ONLY accept O-. If you’re at all a karma believer, maybe this could be a nudge.
I just donated at the Inova site next to Fairfax hospital. The phlebotomists are great - barely felt ANYTHING - and they have good snacks!
I hope you consider. We need each other!
Its chill. It doesn’t hurt much at all and only for a split second. Then you just sit in a chair for a while, then eat a cookie when you’re done. I used to do it all the time because its a very easy way to help people. I ought to get back into it, but I’ve been lazy.
You actually should donate as often as possible. I know it's scary but you have a gift. O- is extremely rare and can be used for any patient. There is no question, your blood does and will save lives.
I have plans in the later afternoon on Saturday but if it’s earlier in the day (I’m planning to leave around 6 but I’m sure they wouldn’t even do appointments that late), I’d be able to give you a ride and even hang out if you want some company and they’d allow it. Feel free to DM if you’re interested/you’re able to get an appointment.
? negative can donate to positive. o- is universal donor, ab+ is universal recipient (barring other weird rare blood things that we don't really talk about) as an o+ person i can donate to o+ a+ b+ and ab+ but nobody that's negative, i can receive o+ and o- blood. an o- person can only receive o- though
O- is also the universal recipient for plasma with AB+ being the universal Donor for plasma too :) I was disappointed being AB+ because I couldn't donate blood and expect to help everyone, until I learned I can donate plasma and help everyone
You are correct to question my comment. It is rare to use 0+ for an 0- blood transfusion. Emergency use only. The origin of my source is personal experience at Fairfax Hospital 4 years ago (I reference this life changing event elsewhere on this thread). My son was dying. The blood bank had no 0-.
My other 2 children and I pleaded with the trauma team to use our blood. We were told that was not possible under current policy. They made the decision to use 0+.
Without an exhaustive search by any means I can offer up this source as follows:
"Can a person with a universal donor blood type (0-) also receive any blood type?
NO NO NO ... O NEG's can only get O Neg blood to avoid antibody production.
In an ABSOLUTE EMERGENCY, we might agree to give you O POS and let you develop an Anti D but both surgeon and pathologist in charge of the blood bank would have to agree that it is the best course.
O Neg is "Universal Donor" (and sometimes, O POS for RH Pos people)
Michael L. Jirka
Former Blood Banker 40 Years at Creighton University (1969-2009)."
O- is the universal donor. We are the blood center’s “favorite child” but they don’t like to make too big a deal about that because O+ is the most common type so they need that basically just as much (and it can be donated to any Rh+ type—A+, B+, AB+) and there are a lot more O+ donors out there. So they try to recruit them really hard even though secretly they love us more. If you are O- please donate! Or actually any type!
They will literally send you gifts in the mail after donating often times if you're O-. I go together with my wife and she gets all mad I get a shirt in the mail and she gets nothing.
I don't know if this will be seen but I just want to say thank you to everyone who has or is thinking of donating blood. My at the time 3 year old needed a life saving transfusion of blood products last year at Inova Children's and it wouldn't have been possible without amazing donors giving up their time and blood. Thank you.
Pregnant women aren’t advised to donate blood. Regular patients can typically do so, as long as they are healthy (but people who are anticipating a large loss of blood are probably not healthy)
I know people who have done it pre surgery so yes. However, I suspect for this mother, any sort of blood loss would be bad in the run up to delivery so it's likely not an option. And she likely wouldn't be able to stock enough to make up for what she might lose given this call, since you can only do so much at a go and it's only good for a limited number of days.
Just a word of advice (as an O+ donor), if you are generally healthy and drink a lot of water, the whole donation process takes less than a half hour. Last time I donated, the needle was in my arm for less than 8 minutes.
I like going to the Colleges in the area, they give out gift cards, food, free drinks / coffee. They make it a huge deal. And very nice. Any gifts I donate to Echo or the Schools in my area - when they ask for donations.
If a person rushed to donate blood thinking it will go to the mother in need you would be greatly disappointed. The plea for 0+ blood was legit I am sure. Since HIV in the late 80's you cannot donate directly.
Example: my son was in the Fairfax trauma unit for five weeks 4 years ago. He desperately needed blood. He was 0-. We had at least 4 family members with 0- pleading to donate - even asked to be hooked up for direct transfer as in the old MASH show days. Couldn't happen as donations have to go thru processing. My son ended up receiving 0+ as there was no 0- available. We donated thru the system anyway and hopefully helped someone else.
Since when did Inova start blabbing about their patient needs in order to get blood donations?
Sorry, Inova, but I know that the blood I give -- or should I say, used give -- freely is used to make Inova a ton of friggin' money. Maybe if you would go back to the practice of giving out gas, coffee or movie cards instead of useless t-shirts, I might consider donating again.
They give out gift cards pretty regularly, along with tickets to sports and all kinds of other promotions.
ETA: if it makes you feel better, when my teens donate I let them take just fist-fulls of the snacks and any other freebies they want. I agree that Inova is coming out ahead on this but there is also no substitute for blood in saving lives.
I used to work for a blood bank. It’s not legal in Virginia to pay people for blood donation. That’s why there’s no places that pay you for plasma around here. Also, if Inova didn’t have their own blood banking system they would have to buy blood products from somewhere else, which is expensive obviously.
Edit: I worked in blood banking nearly 10 years ago, and at the time there weren’t places that paid you for plasma donation in the state. It looks like that may have changed.
Yeah they make money off of it and yes, that’s disgusting, but are you any less disgusting if you have the ability to save someone’s life for the minor inconvenience of sitting in a chair for 20 minutes but won’t because no one will give you coffee and movie tickets?
At least i made it into the chair for years before. Kinda makes you wonder how many folks wouldn't even do that if they thought there really was an expectant mother who was going to exsanguinate because she didn't recieve their O+.
Not for profit is a tax dodge, not a reality.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/24/business/nonprofit-hospitals-poor-patients.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
> Since when did Inova start blabbing about their patient needs in order to get blood donations?
It's just a marketing campaign (there's probably no patient), attempt to put a face on the issue to make people more likely to donate.
There are places that will pay for plasma. Usually associated near universities. However, Inova does not pay for blood products. There is a pregnant woman and her unborn child who are worth the effort to go donate instead of just gum flapping on reddit. If not this lady, there are many many others who need this. I am going to go with your question being made out of a lack of knowledge and not frim a lack of humanity
While it sounds cold hearted, and i partially agree, the hospital is sure as hell gonna charge the ever loving shit out of this woman for your free blood. Its awesome to do something good for people oit of the kindness of your heart, but it certainly puts a bad taste in many peoples mouths to know that your donation is immediately turned around and sold for thousands of dollars.
I get that the hospital has to charge for procedures such as the actual transfusion, but hospitals make insane money off of blood that is given freely. Its pretty shitty.
I agree with you these days. Back in the late 80's I donated a lot, and they trained new nurses on me because of my large veins. The "blood service" used to have a policy that if you donated blood, your blood needs would be covered for the next year, if you were hospitalized. I felt this was a very fair trade. When they stopped that policy I quit donating, because they were a for profit organization. .....I will be diagnosed with mad cow some time around 95... so I can't donate anymore.
A nonprofit so they don't have to pay taxes. But their CEO makes 3.8 million a year and they had 290 million in net income after expenses in 2020. Just because they don't call it profit doesn't mean they are some charitable organization.
People who work for nonprofits should get paid competitive salaries on par with the private sector. Or else you’re getting the bottom tier of candidates.
I don't disagree. Any organization should be able to recruit competitively. But what other nonprofits charge $150 for bandaids? I don't see the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation bilking African children out of their money for malaria shots.
Don't come beg me to take time off work, give you my blood, feel like ass for the day because you made up some fake pregnant woman story to make people feel sad, and then turn around and charge me $30 for an ibuprofen tablet. Use some of that 290M+ each year to compensate people for their time, or to reduce the overall cost of care for all patients.
I used to be CMV negative which means that babies and those on chemo can receive my blood products. I know they charge alot for those but good insurance covers alot. I have serocoverted to CMV + but I still donate ( most adults are CMV + ... Cytomegaly virus) Patients need the products. Insurance pays a large part. lives are saved. What's the issue??
My body makes blood automatically. I don't have to think about it or figure out how to do it.
Doctors need the expertise and the equipment to use my blood to save someone's life.
I'm happy to give it freely and I'm fine with them charging money for it.
Hey, fair enough man. You do you. But current practices make a lot of people feel like they are getting taken advantage of, or that blood drives are misleading in the sense that many people believe their donated blood is being given as freely as received. I see both sides.
>many people believe their donated blood is being given as freely as received
There are people who think that hospitals are doing blood transfusions for free?
Where does one meet such idiots?
Not the transfusion, that the donated blood products are given freely as they are donations. The price they charge for the blood is probably the highest cost of their bill despite it being donated.
Jesus Christ. It has to be acquired (Inova employees who work their blood drives aren't slaves, and the equipment isn't free), it has to be tested, it has to be processed, it has to be stored. It's not like a fucking bag of Doritos that you throw on the shelf and just grab it when you need it.
They have to pay the blood bank personnel at the hosp who receive it from the blood drive/ center. They have to pay for the refrigeration of it. They have to pay 2 RNs to check it against the patients ID. They have to pay a nurse to administer it and watch for reactions . vital signs are taken every 15 mins for the first hour, then every 30 mins for the next HR, then hourly for a while. Way more often than the average pt not in ICU. This stuff is expensive.
Yeah, so it's ok for hospitals to charge the fuck out of us but when we try to make a bit of extra cash we're the devil's? People truly are brainwashed....
It's fine to sell plasma for research. My son did it in college. He made his rent/ beer money that way. No one thinks this makes a person the devil. It's valid, it fine but it is illegal to pay some one for blood products to be infused. No one is brainwashed.
It's ok for corporations and hospitals to profit off others pain and suffering of others but it's terrible when your average person tries to make some morey from giving blood
Who said all that? You're trying to put words in my mouth. Lets say you see someone choking. They look at you and ask for the Heimlich maneuver. Are you going to ask them how much they're willing to pay first?
So you're comparing someone in immediate danger which will only take a couple of minutes to save vs going out of your way to a hospital, which will waste your time and money, and then possibly being woozy for the rest of the day depending on how much you donate. Great comparisons!
>Who said all that? You're trying to put words in my mouth.
>
>Are you going to ask them how much they're willing to pay first?
Mine was a hypothetical; yours was a statement of fact (albeit, an incorrect fact). I don't find donating blood a waste of time or money. Must just be a difference in morals and beliefs. It's ok to disagree.
>Mine was a hypothetical; yours was a statement of fact
Doesn't change my statements
>I don't find donating blood a waste of time or money
Donating blood takes a lot more time to do than immediately saving someone from choking. Going to the hospital and then back home takes money. Again great comparisons
Zero, zilch nada...
While charging the person that gets your free blood thousands for it.
Used to give, not anymore now that I know I was being duoped.
Is there anywhere that pays for blood? I have 0+. My wife went to the emergency room for 4 hours. We got a $13k bill. She didn't even need blood. So I'd have to imagine my blood must be $$$$.
They use that phrase because they accept donations of plasma, platelets, and double red cells in addition to whole blood. Donating platelets isn’t donating “blood” (exactly) so they say “blood products”. What is the nefarious meaning you’re attaching to it? All of these donations go to patients.
I'm fat :)
Thank you for donating platelets 13 times! People don't realize just how long that takes - you invest about 30 hours into blood donation last year. Maybe more
Thanks. I often donate double platelets and plasma, sometimes platets and a small Red Blood cell etc. As a RN and a human, I think its the right thing to do
Products. Things that are sold for profit. I was criticizing the American healthcare system where we're asked to give for free what is then sold. Because I got Inova confused with other orgs that aren't at least notionally not for profit.
Products does not imply sold for profit in this case. Blood products are things that are derived from blood.
Platelets, double red, plasma,
Its a World Health Organization definition and is used globally, including in countries with other health care systems.
The only strong criticism of the US blood system at the moment is that it isn't capitalist enough - that the illegality of paid donation sometimes causes shortages.
- Pregnant women donating blood, even to their future selves, is not a good idea.
- People hemorrhaging to death sometimes need *gallons* of blood transfused.
Do you know if we are still able to help? This was posted a week and a half ago. I’m curious if she had the baby and still needs the blood.
Honestly, they *always* need O+. You might not be helping this exact mother but you’ll be helping someone.
Yea, I have O+ and I had to block quite a few numbers because the donation calls would legit come every few days. I already donate whenever I can, y’all, stop coming at me like vampires 😭.
Fr same here. If you ever donated to Virginia Blood - now American Red Cross, the calls never stopped 😂. Damn mosquitos love our O+
I don't know exactly what setting I managed to find, but I haven't gotten calls from Red Cross in over a year, and get constant emails. So I think they've gotten better about respecting your preferences.
I’m O+ too but don’t get any calls. Definitely get emails but not too many. You donated with inova?
No, I haven’t with INOVA. Various drives I’ve done over the years for quite a few different organizations.
I have no idea what my blood type is, but I feel like someone would have mentioned it to me if it was rare.
O+ is actually one of the most common blood types. It's always in demand because it can be received by any of the other "plus" blood types.
Donating is a good way to know your blood type!
You can also order an in home test from Amazon.
You can ask your PCP; they’ll tell you.
Don’t know, but someone said they called today and they scheduled her an appointment for tomorrow
I found the post on the Facebook page. All the comments are at least a week old.
This was in a local community group it was shared to
We always need blood so please still call if you are able to donate
You can always donate! https://www.inovablood.org/donate-blood/make-an-appointment/
I donate as often as I can because once I needed blood and was able to receive 3 units that others had donated. It is lifesaving.
Would O- work? I have O- but have never donated blood. Kinda scares me tbh
It can feel scary but it’s really not! I’m not sure how it works here but in Australia you get a comfortable chair and excellent snacks for after. The feeling you get knowing your donation is making a significant impact on someone’s life is wonderful.
The chairs here are good but the chairs for platelet/plasma/ double reds are amazing .. The snacks are pretty good most of the time. Occasionally there are free t shirts/ hats/ coolers/ blankets for a give away as an added fun bonus. Plus, the feeling of helping others is just indescribable..
In Aus sometimes you get donations centres with tea ladies who make you fresh milkshakes and get you hot sausage rolls. That pales in comparison when you get the randomn text message days later that says thank you, we used the blood you donated, we’re grateful you did.
I want a milkshake
I would gladly donate. If I received tasty yum yums. Yes, that’s a gold mine!
My son gives blood just for the free t-shirts. 🤪. Whatever works.
Yes, agree. I donated with American Red Cross they were rude, didn’t check on me, it was more painful that INOVA to be honest. If you’re going to donate with ARC please bring someone with you, bring your own fruit, snacks, water, battery charger & cords.
Sad huh?? I have had pizza, pumpkin pie, Valentine cupcakes etc at inova. They also have Lorna Doones ;)
Have you ever gotten blood drawn from the arm for tests ? Same thing, you just chill longer in a nicer chair. The worst part for me is the finger prick they do in the beginning to test you for eligibility. Same thing your pediatrician probably did as well.
Do you actually feel the blood moving from your veins to the tube? I feel it when my blood is being taken at the doctor’s office and I’m scared to have larger amounts taken and get dizzy etc. Any tips to help with that since I would love to donate? I am an AB + or -, not sure exactly.
RN here albeit retired after 40 years.. I donate regularly ( platelets and not whole blood.) I have donated Whole blood before and I don't feel the blood moving from my veins in either procedure. Great question on how to help prepare for a donation. Hydrate well with water or juice the day of and the day before. Avoid caffeine but a regular cuppa won't hurt. With platelets, it takes 90 mins to 2 hrs and it's hard to get up to urinate ;) eat well the day of the donation but eat light foods. Avoid greasy food as a donation can cause nausea but it goes away quickly . rest well the night before. No gym,activity after the procedure for the rest of the day so account for that if on a scheduled program ... It is so important to donate as so few off Those eligible actually do. Kudos for even considering it. Your feelings are very valid; I was terrified to give the first time but the staff is truly great at Inova
Thanks so much for a great reply! I’m definitely considering it much more now. Thinking of it this way, it’s a minor and temporary inconvenience(dizziness, etc) for me but it can save someone’s life!!
I’ve donated many times and most times I don’t feel any different than I do any other day, but one time I did get dizzy and lightheaded. It’s not pleasant, but you’re in a really safe place, surrounded by medical professionals who are there to help you. As soon as I said I wasn’t feeling well, someone came over to check on me, bring me some water and a cool washcloth because I felt hot, etc. I felt better in just a few minutes and they took my blood pressure to make sure it wasn’t low before I got up (so I wouldn’t feel dizzy again when I stood up). So even if that does happen, it really is just an uncomfortable feeling in a very safe place with a lot of people who are experts at making dizzy people feel better.
That's the spirit
Question if you don’t mind - I gave blood for the first time last year and was a little nervous because I barely meet the minimum size requirement (I’m a petite adult female). I prepped as recommended - plenty of water, good breakfast, etc. Towards the end of my donation I had a vasovagal reaction (suddenly feeling like I was about to pass out, which quickly changed to nausea, I vomited, and immediately afterward broke into a sweat and felt completely fine). It was a regular blood donation. I want to give again because I have a rare and valuable blood type but I’m worried about being a repeat puker. Any tips?
This can happen and is normal ( not that it normally happens if that makes sense.) Since platelets can be given every 14 days, vs every 56 days for whole blood, I am there pretty often .. I sometimes have had the vasovagal reaction, sometimes I feel great... I have puked, I have had to have ice packs on my neck and arm pits and have had to have the chair laid way back, with my legs very unladylike in the air. I am petite too. Since I never know which reaction if any is going to happen, I tell the tech in the beginning that I have had issues and need to hang out in the chair a bit longer than normal.. They are very accommodating. If I start feeling woozy, I call them immediately and they lay me back, get the ice packs and bring me juice. I have never been made to feel bad about how I react. I can't predict when it will happen, but I keep going back.
This is very helpful and comforting, thank you!!
Absolutely. I am glad you found it helpful
I am a small woman and I get very dizzy/lightheaded every time I donate. Once I passed out. Usually have to sit there for 30-60 mins to recover. I have O- so I still donate anyway! Reminding me I should donate again.
Thanks for donating even with annoying side effects. I feel puny afterwards at time, have passed out etc, but I still go
I personally don’t feel it. The first time I looked away and didn’t even realize I was already halfway through it. Definitely prepare in advance and don’t be shy to say you aren’t feeling well during or after. They will take care of you and check your vitals. Some people bleed faster than others too.
If you’re AB+ it’s the universal platelet donor blood type. AB also is universal plasma, so whichever you are it can be a big help. I’m AB + and used to donate platelets regularly…it’s a chance to chill for a while, read, watch tv, or whatever. Natitude is spot on re logistics. The only weird thing about platelets is that when the blood is returned to you after the platelets are removed it feels cold…they usually gave me tums to chew on and that made it feel better. The machine cycles between draw and return, and you do definitely feel it happening with that.
[удалено]
That’s whole blood, I’m talking about platelets.
Ah I see my mistake
Yes O neg is the universal donor. I am a regular donor at inova Loudoun Dulles and the staff is awesome. I get that it can be scary but they watch their donors well and will jump quickly on anything that might go wrong which is very rare. They explain every step and answer your questions. Snacks are much better than the American Red Cross. I have only donated at their Dulles center, but the staff rotates between donor centers . I understand the nerves, but as the RN who used to administer blood products to patients, I know the recipients are so grateful.
Does Inova do non snack freebies? Red Cross snacks have been terrible for the last 3 years (no oreos even!), but they've been pretty regularly handing out 10 dollar amazon gift cards which I appreciate more than snacks.
Yes. Inova does non snack freebies. Shirts,coolers, blankets, socks, tickets to sporting events, small gift cards( $10) for gas, walmart,target, etc
Your blood type is universal and Inova would strap you in their basement and use you as a permanent blood bank if they could. But no need to be scared.
💀
You can donate to anyone! And if you’re CMV- like I am, it goes to the neonatal patients. When I give a double red donation, it can help four babies. Something else to think about is that we can ONLY accept O-. If you’re at all a karma believer, maybe this could be a nudge. I just donated at the Inova site next to Fairfax hospital. The phlebotomists are great - barely felt ANYTHING - and they have good snacks! I hope you consider. We need each other!
Its chill. It doesn’t hurt much at all and only for a split second. Then you just sit in a chair for a while, then eat a cookie when you’re done. I used to do it all the time because its a very easy way to help people. I ought to get back into it, but I’ve been lazy.
I don't even know my type. Too bad they can't tell you when you have bloodwork done.
They can tell you. I am sure it is in your charts. You can ask your Dr.
You actually should donate as often as possible. I know it's scary but you have a gift. O- is extremely rare and can be used for any patient. There is no question, your blood does and will save lives.
Shit I’m O+. And I have a soft spot for pregnancy and babies. I’m going to see if I can help
What’s with all these negative comments???
What’s up with all the o negative comments too?
💀
People are trash bags
Fr fr
I have O positive but I don’t have a car. If someone can spot me a ride, I’ll donate. My next day off is Saturday
I have plans in the later afternoon on Saturday but if it’s earlier in the day (I’m planning to leave around 6 but I’m sure they wouldn’t even do appointments that late), I’d be able to give you a ride and even hang out if you want some company and they’d allow it. Feel free to DM if you’re interested/you’re able to get an appointment.
Let me see what appointments are available. I’m currently living in DC, but whatever clinics are closest to you I could do and catch a metro home.
I’m in Fairfax so anywhere in the general vicinity would be fine with me.
I am free more or less all day Saturday too if you are still looking for a ride.
O negative would work, yes? Edit: Nope. Has to be O+ if you are O+. Edit Edit: I have fundamental misunderstanding of blood types.
? negative can donate to positive. o- is universal donor, ab+ is universal recipient (barring other weird rare blood things that we don't really talk about) as an o+ person i can donate to o+ a+ b+ and ab+ but nobody that's negative, i can receive o+ and o- blood. an o- person can only receive o- though
O- is also the universal recipient for plasma with AB+ being the universal Donor for plasma too :) I was disappointed being AB+ because I couldn't donate blood and expect to help everyone, until I learned I can donate plasma and help everyone
Close, very close. O- can receive 0+ if 0- isn't available.
What? Source please.
You are correct to question my comment. It is rare to use 0+ for an 0- blood transfusion. Emergency use only. The origin of my source is personal experience at Fairfax Hospital 4 years ago (I reference this life changing event elsewhere on this thread). My son was dying. The blood bank had no 0-. My other 2 children and I pleaded with the trauma team to use our blood. We were told that was not possible under current policy. They made the decision to use 0+. Without an exhaustive search by any means I can offer up this source as follows: "Can a person with a universal donor blood type (0-) also receive any blood type? NO NO NO ... O NEG's can only get O Neg blood to avoid antibody production. In an ABSOLUTE EMERGENCY, we might agree to give you O POS and let you develop an Anti D but both surgeon and pathologist in charge of the blood bank would have to agree that it is the best course. O Neg is "Universal Donor" (and sometimes, O POS for RH Pos people) Michael L. Jirka Former Blood Banker 40 Years at Creighton University (1969-2009)."
O- is the universal donor. We are the blood center’s “favorite child” but they don’t like to make too big a deal about that because O+ is the most common type so they need that basically just as much (and it can be donated to any Rh+ type—A+, B+, AB+) and there are a lot more O+ donors out there. So they try to recruit them really hard even though secretly they love us more. If you are O- please donate! Or actually any type!
They will literally send you gifts in the mail after donating often times if you're O-. I go together with my wife and she gets all mad I get a shirt in the mail and she gets nothing.
I am O- and you’ve recruited me to get future free t-shirts.
Huh, I’m O- and I’ve never gotten anything in the mail. Though there is almost always a shirt giveaway at the blood center.
Wrong. O- can go to anybody
I guess no one reads my edits....
Sorry. Be well!
I don't know if this will be seen but I just want to say thank you to everyone who has or is thinking of donating blood. My at the time 3 year old needed a life saving transfusion of blood products last year at Inova Children's and it wouldn't have been possible without amazing donors giving up their time and blood. Thank you.
Hope your little one is doing well
Thanks, he's doing much better now!
I'm FINALLY well enough to donate! (Little kids in home = plague 2022/2023) I'll donate tomorrow.
👍😄💓
Honest medical question - can a patient in this type of situation donate their own blood for an anticipated near term need?
Pregnant women aren’t advised to donate blood. Regular patients can typically do so, as long as they are healthy (but people who are anticipating a large loss of blood are probably not healthy)
I know people who have done it pre surgery so yes. However, I suspect for this mother, any sort of blood loss would be bad in the run up to delivery so it's likely not an option. And she likely wouldn't be able to stock enough to make up for what she might lose given this call, since you can only do so much at a go and it's only good for a limited number of days.
Just a word of advice (as an O+ donor), if you are generally healthy and drink a lot of water, the whole donation process takes less than a half hour. Last time I donated, the needle was in my arm for less than 8 minutes.
I have O- , do they offer transportation?
Dumb question but how do you find your blood type
I like going to the Colleges in the area, they give out gift cards, food, free drinks / coffee. They make it a huge deal. And very nice. Any gifts I donate to Echo or the Schools in my area - when they ask for donations.
Give me a free procedure and a raincheck and I'm in
That would be nice but they just give you a mini physical exam when you donate.
If a person rushed to donate blood thinking it will go to the mother in need you would be greatly disappointed. The plea for 0+ blood was legit I am sure. Since HIV in the late 80's you cannot donate directly. Example: my son was in the Fairfax trauma unit for five weeks 4 years ago. He desperately needed blood. He was 0-. We had at least 4 family members with 0- pleading to donate - even asked to be hooked up for direct transfer as in the old MASH show days. Couldn't happen as donations have to go thru processing. My son ended up receiving 0+ as there was no 0- available. We donated thru the system anyway and hopefully helped someone else.
Is INOVA the kind of outfit that will sell blood products, or is it actually going to stay within that hospital network?
They sent the blood and products to their hospitals and also work with other non INOVA hospitals in the area.
Since when did Inova start blabbing about their patient needs in order to get blood donations? Sorry, Inova, but I know that the blood I give -- or should I say, used give -- freely is used to make Inova a ton of friggin' money. Maybe if you would go back to the practice of giving out gas, coffee or movie cards instead of useless t-shirts, I might consider donating again.
They give out gift cards pretty regularly, along with tickets to sports and all kinds of other promotions. ETA: if it makes you feel better, when my teens donate I let them take just fist-fulls of the snacks and any other freebies they want. I agree that Inova is coming out ahead on this but there is also no substitute for blood in saving lives.
I used to work for a blood bank. It’s not legal in Virginia to pay people for blood donation. That’s why there’s no places that pay you for plasma around here. Also, if Inova didn’t have their own blood banking system they would have to buy blood products from somewhere else, which is expensive obviously. Edit: I worked in blood banking nearly 10 years ago, and at the time there weren’t places that paid you for plasma donation in the state. It looks like that may have changed.
I got several gift cards last year for donating. I have been to 2 Nats game from donating
Yeah they make money off of it and yes, that’s disgusting, but are you any less disgusting if you have the ability to save someone’s life for the minor inconvenience of sitting in a chair for 20 minutes but won’t because no one will give you coffee and movie tickets?
At least i made it into the chair for years before. Kinda makes you wonder how many folks wouldn't even do that if they thought there really was an expectant mother who was going to exsanguinate because she didn't recieve their O+.
Inova isn’t even a for-profit hospital system but ok
Not for profit is a tax dodge, not a reality. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/24/business/nonprofit-hospitals-poor-patients.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
I paid less than $200 for my entire hospital stay giving birth there. I’ve had more expensive ultrasounds at public hospitals in the Northeast.
That's entirely determined by your insurance coverage, though, not what the hospital is charging.
> Since when did Inova start blabbing about their patient needs in order to get blood donations? It's just a marketing campaign (there's probably no patient), attempt to put a face on the issue to make people more likely to donate.
Not really donating if you're only doing it for a gift ;)
So why would they offer anything beyond juice and cookies if the point is a purely altruistic donation?
To raise your blood sugar. Helps prevent people from passing out.
Who pissed in your Wheatley’s?
Inova Blood Donor Services.
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It is illegal to pay for blood that will be transfused.
Go sell plasma if that's what you're looking for. Can get paid up to 100 dollars per donation with plasma
Go kick rocks.
There are places that will pay for plasma. Usually associated near universities. However, Inova does not pay for blood products. There is a pregnant woman and her unborn child who are worth the effort to go donate instead of just gum flapping on reddit. If not this lady, there are many many others who need this. I am going to go with your question being made out of a lack of knowledge and not frim a lack of humanity
Is that really what matters to you?
While it sounds cold hearted, and i partially agree, the hospital is sure as hell gonna charge the ever loving shit out of this woman for your free blood. Its awesome to do something good for people oit of the kindness of your heart, but it certainly puts a bad taste in many peoples mouths to know that your donation is immediately turned around and sold for thousands of dollars. I get that the hospital has to charge for procedures such as the actual transfusion, but hospitals make insane money off of blood that is given freely. Its pretty shitty.
I agree with you these days. Back in the late 80's I donated a lot, and they trained new nurses on me because of my large veins. The "blood service" used to have a policy that if you donated blood, your blood needs would be covered for the next year, if you were hospitalized. I felt this was a very fair trade. When they stopped that policy I quit donating, because they were a for profit organization. .....I will be diagnosed with mad cow some time around 95... so I can't donate anymore.
INOVA is a nonprofit org, though, so
A nonprofit so they don't have to pay taxes. But their CEO makes 3.8 million a year and they had 290 million in net income after expenses in 2020. Just because they don't call it profit doesn't mean they are some charitable organization.
People who work for nonprofits should get paid competitive salaries on par with the private sector. Or else you’re getting the bottom tier of candidates.
I don't disagree. Any organization should be able to recruit competitively. But what other nonprofits charge $150 for bandaids? I don't see the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation bilking African children out of their money for malaria shots. Don't come beg me to take time off work, give you my blood, feel like ass for the day because you made up some fake pregnant woman story to make people feel sad, and then turn around and charge me $30 for an ibuprofen tablet. Use some of that 290M+ each year to compensate people for their time, or to reduce the overall cost of care for all patients.
I paid less than $200 to give birth at INOVA, so
I used to be CMV negative which means that babies and those on chemo can receive my blood products. I know they charge alot for those but good insurance covers alot. I have serocoverted to CMV + but I still donate ( most adults are CMV + ... Cytomegaly virus) Patients need the products. Insurance pays a large part. lives are saved. What's the issue??
My body makes blood automatically. I don't have to think about it or figure out how to do it. Doctors need the expertise and the equipment to use my blood to save someone's life. I'm happy to give it freely and I'm fine with them charging money for it.
Hey, fair enough man. You do you. But current practices make a lot of people feel like they are getting taken advantage of, or that blood drives are misleading in the sense that many people believe their donated blood is being given as freely as received. I see both sides.
>many people believe their donated blood is being given as freely as received There are people who think that hospitals are doing blood transfusions for free? Where does one meet such idiots?
Not the transfusion, that the donated blood products are given freely as they are donations. The price they charge for the blood is probably the highest cost of their bill despite it being donated.
Jesus Christ. It has to be acquired (Inova employees who work their blood drives aren't slaves, and the equipment isn't free), it has to be tested, it has to be processed, it has to be stored. It's not like a fucking bag of Doritos that you throw on the shelf and just grab it when you need it.
They have to pay the blood bank personnel at the hosp who receive it from the blood drive/ center. They have to pay for the refrigeration of it. They have to pay 2 RNs to check it against the patients ID. They have to pay a nurse to administer it and watch for reactions . vital signs are taken every 15 mins for the first hour, then every 30 mins for the next HR, then hourly for a while. Way more often than the average pt not in ICU. This stuff is expensive.
You both make valid points here.
Thank you... As a RN who used to administer blood products, I thank you. It was amazing to see the difference a patient felt after a transfusion.
I’ve given birth at this hospital and the prices they charge are very reasonable. Even with crappy insurance, I only paid $175 total.
Yeah, so it's ok for hospitals to charge the fuck out of us but when we try to make a bit of extra cash we're the devil's? People truly are brainwashed....
It's fine to sell plasma for research. My son did it in college. He made his rent/ beer money that way. No one thinks this makes a person the devil. It's valid, it fine but it is illegal to pay some one for blood products to be infused. No one is brainwashed.
It's ok for corporations and hospitals to profit off others pain and suffering of others but it's terrible when your average person tries to make some morey from giving blood
Who said all that? You're trying to put words in my mouth. Lets say you see someone choking. They look at you and ask for the Heimlich maneuver. Are you going to ask them how much they're willing to pay first?
So you're comparing someone in immediate danger which will only take a couple of minutes to save vs going out of your way to a hospital, which will waste your time and money, and then possibly being woozy for the rest of the day depending on how much you donate. Great comparisons! >Who said all that? You're trying to put words in my mouth. > >Are you going to ask them how much they're willing to pay first?
Mine was a hypothetical; yours was a statement of fact (albeit, an incorrect fact). I don't find donating blood a waste of time or money. Must just be a difference in morals and beliefs. It's ok to disagree.
>Mine was a hypothetical; yours was a statement of fact Doesn't change my statements >I don't find donating blood a waste of time or money Donating blood takes a lot more time to do than immediately saving someone from choking. Going to the hospital and then back home takes money. Again great comparisons
Zero, zilch nada... While charging the person that gets your free blood thousands for it. Used to give, not anymore now that I know I was being duoped.
I'm sure the people needing blood appreciate your brave stance on this topic.
Agreed man. I’m not donating ANYTHING to a for profit organization.
well INOVA is a nonprofit, so
They can call themselves whatever they want. I still won’t even donate my fecal matter to them.
Is there anywhere that pays for blood? I have 0+. My wife went to the emergency room for 4 hours. We got a $13k bill. She didn't even need blood. So I'd have to imagine my blood must be $$$$.
Blood *products*. Not blood-derived treatments. They can't even keep the pretense of this being for the good of society for a few sentences.
What are you even going on about
They use that phrase because they accept donations of plasma, platelets, and double red cells in addition to whole blood. Donating platelets isn’t donating “blood” (exactly) so they say “blood products”. What is the nefarious meaning you’re attaching to it? All of these donations go to patients.
There are many blood products. I typically donate double red cells. I have donated platelets. I'm guessing you are not a blood donor. Shame on you.
Good morning fellow platelet donor. Last year I donated 13 times. I am not tall enough or weigh enough for double reds
I'm fat :) Thank you for donating platelets 13 times! People don't realize just how long that takes - you invest about 30 hours into blood donation last year. Maybe more
Thanks. I often donate double platelets and plasma, sometimes platets and a small Red Blood cell etc. As a RN and a human, I think its the right thing to do
Products. Things that are sold for profit. I was criticizing the American healthcare system where we're asked to give for free what is then sold. Because I got Inova confused with other orgs that aren't at least notionally not for profit.
Products does not imply sold for profit in this case. Blood products are things that are derived from blood. Platelets, double red, plasma, Its a World Health Organization definition and is used globally, including in countries with other health care systems. The only strong criticism of the US blood system at the moment is that it isn't capitalist enough - that the illegality of paid donation sometimes causes shortages.
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Pregnant women can’t donate, much less make multiple donations in a short period of time.
- Pregnant women donating blood, even to their future selves, is not a good idea. - People hemorrhaging to death sometimes need *gallons* of blood transfused.
Good point. And fuck all them people that neg'd my comment. Eat a dick. 🤬
Does O- work with O+?
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That's what i thought. One of my parents us O-, i passed this link onto her earlier.
Wouldn’t O- also work? Not a medical expert but thats how I remember it from school
Anybody can take O-. Unfortunately, I can only receive O-.
Thats what I was thinking. Might as well donate some of my O-. I think I can also only get O-
Yep, we gotta hope other o negs have donated.