Giving blood....

[erin-x]

Can you give blood if you are taking iron tablets?

[ladybirder]

I don't know why they won't take it after you're 60. Are they worried about me or my blood? Given it all my life and now they're not interested.

[tenrec]

^ same here ladybirder.

[LazyGun]

I think your information is out of date, ladybirder. Since Dec 2009, NHS Blood and Transplantation removed the upper age limit for blood donors. The original intent was to protect the donor.

http://www.nhsbt.nhs...._on_blood_safety.html

[LazyGun]

@Traci 66

NHSBT have a legal responsibility to screen their donors very carefully prior to accepting them for the blood donation process. They have a duty of care to the donors, to ensure that no harm is caused.

The reason there is a minimum weight restriction is because no donor should lose more than 13% of their blood volume when donating, in order to reduce / prevent the side effects of donating, such as fainting during the donation session, or development of anaemia. The volume of blood donation units is fixed, and, working back, 13% of blood volume translates to a minimum weight of 50Kg, or 7st 12lbs in old money :)

[ladybirder]

Lazy Gun thank you, I didn't realise things had changed regarding age limits. Good, I might try again then next time as there is now no age limit for somebody who has donated before. And I could do with a biscuit and a cup of tea:-)

[erin-x]

Sorry I never came back folks... It turned out that I had to go to Greenock to visit my brother on the Sunday so I never even got to go and see about giving blood. Thanks for all the replies though, I'm definitely going to go to the next one!! :) x