Blood donation issue

• by Bxpacer
• 2013-04-02 12:04:16
• General Posting
• 829 views
• 0 comments

I just went to the blood drive at my job, where I usually donate the 4 times a year thet hold them and ran into an issue related to having a PM that I think needs to be addressed.

Keep in mind, I had my PM inserted in 2006 and have donated many times in thep ast few years. .

As usual, I filled out my form and answered the question about problems with the heart and indicated that I have a PM. As per the NY Blood Center rules, they need to call a Medical Director to get clearance to allow me to give,.Normally, this part takes anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes depending on when they can get one of these Directors to answer. They usually give the ok after I tell them that I am not on any medication and I am free to exercise. Today, I waited 45 minutes and nobody called them back so I was forced to go back to work since I had meetings scheduled.

I believe that this process should be adjusted, especially for those of us who don't take any medications. My doctor has told me I can donate without any worries however even he gave me a note indicating this, they would still need to call this medical director. If NYBC is going to require these types of approvals for ceratin conditions (most of which are understandable), then they should ensure adequate accessibility to a Medical Director.

II will be writing to NYBC about this and requesting they consider a revision to this policy.