If you're interested in donating blood, but have a few concerns, if you're scared, or unsure how to book or how the process works or maybe you've wanted to but haven't got around to it, or whatever it may be, we are able to help. We take care of all the paperwork, all you have to do is show up and save lives. If you're scared, don't worry we have a whole group of people who are in the same position. We book group donations when we have enough interest (mostly on saturdays) and show up to every single one for support at the Ipswich Donor Clinic, located in Riverlink Shopping Centre. If you're interested in donating or want to learn a little more, please take the time to read this as it's very important information regarding your donation. Before you donate you must first pass the eligibility quiz (This can also be done online very quickly)
-Are you 16 or over
- got any tattoos in the last 6 months
- are you pregnant or just given birth
- do you have a serious heart condition
- are you low on iron
- have you been to the UK before 1997
- have you participated in any risky sexual behaviour in the last 12 months
- have you ever injected recreational drugs
- have you been overseas in the last 4 months. With your donation there a few things you need and a few things that can affect your eligibility.
-leading up to your donation you need to have eaten something substantial and drink at least 3 glasses of water or juice (note the clinic has a range of food and drink for free in the waiting room)
-you need to be 7 days healthy (no dental procedures no illness or taken antibiotics or pain killers)
- you need to know your 12 month health summary (be able to answer any medical questions in regards to you)
- you need to have a 3 year travel summary (be able to answer any questions about travelling in the last 3 years)
- if you're under 18 you need to weight over 50kg
-if you're over 18 you need to weight over 45kg
-if you're under 18, you need to bring a parent or a signed parental consent form
-any medication you take regularly can also affect it so have the names of those at the ready.
-If you're under 18 you can only donate blood once every year.
-When you turn 18 you can donate blood every 3 months.
-Additionally, when you turn 18 you can also donate plasma (for males, females must be 20), and after plasma platelets (both are just useful components within your blood).
-you can donate plasma every 2 weeks and platelets every 4 weeks. There is a more extensive questionnaire when you go for your donation which a nurse runs through with you. You also need to endure a haemoglobin test (a finger prick) and you need a certain level. This is just general knowledge and requirements it seems like a lot but it's really not that bad. Any questions don't hesitate to ask us any questions you have. I look forward to dealing with everyone and hope everyone realises the extent of what they are doing. For those who don't feel comfortable for revealing information to us or just want some additional information or another source, call the Red Cross Blood Service on 13 14 95 or visit http://www.donateblood.com.au/ and note that your information remains anonymous.
