So for those of you who don’t know, I am a registered organ donor and regular blood donor. I’ve been donating blood every eight weeks for almost a year. It originally started as a way to honor and preserve my uncle’s memory. He was one of the greatest men and I couldn’t donate when he needed blood.
He passed away over a year ago and in an attempt to help those in need or can’t say that they need help, I do this.
Lately I’ve been considering donating plasma and/or platelets. One can donate every two weeks, so of course I had a few questions before I would decide. I want to help as many people as I can.
If you are not aware, because of commonality of whole blood for certain blood types they may request plasma or platelet donation instead. I have a fairly common blood type so I thought that maybe this would be the best donation option. They also want to make sure to check platelet levels, CBC’s, etc to make sure you are an optimal candidate.
Since I had already started donating at this point in the conversation, they were simply going to note my donor profile. My phlebotomist noted that I have good strong veins in order to donate platelets and plasma regularly. He then went to go note my profile to have some of the primarily screenings done with the usual labs. However, when they went to note it, they noticed that I had already been marked as having a rare antibody in my blood. (Which one, I don’t know. But I am curious). Ultimately, they recommended that because of this rare antibody to continue to donate whole blood as I have been and will continue to do.
Of course, I have already set up my next appointment. I always do before I leave the donation center. My point in talking about this is an altruistic one.
I ask that if you are interested or have questions about donating blood to do the research, whether it be by contacting your doctor, getting information from American Red Cross, or setting up a screening, to please do it. The small amount of time that it takes to donate has the potential to save three lives tomorrow or the next day. Hell maybe a donation will save your own life one day.
If you have want to ask me any questions about my experience or in general about blood and organ donation, I am more than happy to answer it to the best of my ability.
Amy Hardesty 