Can I donate blood if I'm underweight?
Question:
I'm 47kg and otherwise healthy so do you think they will allow me this 3kg? I don't mind feeling light headed afterwards and I've had a lot of blood taken out of me in one go when I had a blood test once which didn't make me feel any different.
Something which I am worried about is they don't specify a height... I'm 5ft 6 and 47kg so even if I put on another 3kg could they still reject me? I don't want to go to the effort of putting on weight if they just say no anyway,
Also... does anyone know whether you have to take your shoes off when they weigh you?
I really want to give blood... sure I might feel unwell for a bit afterwards but it won't cause me any real danger and surely it's my choice isn't it?
Answers:
Theoretically you are indeed 3 kgs below the minimum weight. They don't weigh everyone, but if you have never given blood before and they are suspicious they may decide to check, it generally would be done in street clothes.
yes
Probably not. Wait til you gain a lil more weight.
Sorry mate. You need to be over 7 stones to be in the blood service in the UK. Its more for your safety than the patients. You may be anemic and could become ill.
Well if u did u would be very generous
u can always ask ur doctor if he thinks it would be safe. if he says yes, then go ahead, if he says no, then i wouldnt risk it.
No. A donor must weigh atleast 50kg.
Yes and no...
Yes: you can donate
No: you may need to eat more 1st
sadly no, they wont let you. I was also underweight when i tried and they turned me away. But that was Carter Blood Care. It might be different with different places. If I was you, I would call and find out.
I'm afraid they will say no. They will take one look at you and ask you to step on the scale.
I have been donating blood for years now and I've only been asked once.
You might want to try gaining a bit of weight just to keep your body healthy in general, though - 47kg is a bit light for 5'6".
why don't you ask a doctor?
They have specific criteria for blood donation and if you do not meet them they will not let you donate blood until you meet the criterion.
I don't think they'll let you, no. It's a written rule.
Shoes aren't usually worn when weighed, but even if they are they don't make enough difference.
.
They are actually very very strict now. I wanted to donate on Friday morning. Once I had filled in and updated the form. I then had to sit in the Doctors office and go through the form. He noticed I had been some months ago to Costa Rica for 2 days. He refused to take the blood now as its a dangerous area although I stayed in a 5 star hotel. He told me come back in 6 months time. So in answer to your question I think they will not allow you yet.
Congratualtions on wanting to give blood - a very admirable attitude. More people should take up this hobby ! I have given blood and here they only test for iron deficency, i've never seen anyone being weighed If i was as desperate as you to donate, I would put a couple of stones in my pockets just in case they weigh you..
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