Recreational Drugs And Donating Blood

You Must Not Donate For At Least Three Months After:

If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you will not be eligible to give blood for up to three months.

You will also be asked whether over the last three months you have:

• had sex with someone new, or resumed a previous or infrequent sexual relationship
• had sex with more than one person

• If you have, you will not be able to donate for up to three months

What Are Recreational Drugs And Why Are They Used

Recreational drugs are chemical substances which are used for pleasure. There are many reasons people try recreational drugs, particularly young people and young adults. These include:

• Their friends are doing it, and they don’t want to feel left out, or not cool.
• They get pressurised into trying it.
• They are interested in experimenting with the effects, and seeing what happens when they take drugs.
• They may feel drugs give them new experiences or perspectives.
• They make them feel more relaxed, or more confident when relating to others.
• They may feel drugs help them forget their worries or problems.
• They may feel drugs make them feel happier.
• They want to be rebellious.
• They enjoy the effects.

After Your Blood Donation

You will be instructed to sit in an observation area for 15 minutes after your donation, where you can rest and eat a light snack. After donating blood, continue drinking extra fluids and avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day. Keep your bandage dry and on your arm for the rest of the day.

Donating blood can cause several unpleasant side effects. Watch for these symptoms in the hours following your donation.

You May Like: Plt Meaning In Blood Test

Do They Check Your Blood For The Presence Of Thc

When thinking about donating blood, most cannabis enthusiasts are worried about whether their blood will be tested for the presence of THC. You should know that even though each donors blood goes through several lab tests and procedures before it is added to the blood supply, an FDA-ordered THC test is not one of them. The good news is that this information is confirmed in the FAQ section on the website of the American Red Cross. Therefore, you do not need to be worried about your weed use being a cause of deferral in the United States.

However, this information mostly applies to smoking marijuana. In their FAQ section, they also state that there are some concerns regarding prescribed synthetic marijuana, as some varieties have been found to contain certain anticoagulants known to contaminate plasma. For this reason, the final decision regarding donations from synthetic marijuana users will be up to each individual blood donation center. There is no additional info on other illegal drugs.

Wyden Pushes To Change Rules Barring Some People From Donating Blood

The American Red Cross and Bloodworks Northwest say theres an unprecedented shortage of lifesaving blood in the region. Oregons U.S. Senator Ron Wyden is calling for a rule change to make more people eligible to give blood.

A mobile donation vehicle used by the American Red Cross. Red Cross implemented safety protocols for the pandemic, including spacing beds 6-feet apart, requiring face masks, and additional wipe downs of donor areas.

Jason E. Miczek / Courtesy of American Red Cross

The Red Cross lists the details of the rule in question on its website. You should not give blood if you have AIDS or have ever had a positive HIV test, or if you have done something that puts you at risk for becoming infected with HIV. The website goes on to describe several conditions that the organization considers risky.

This list states you should not donate if you are a male who has had sexual contact with another male, in the last 3 months, or have had sexual contact in the past 3 months with anyone described above. The list also includes other, less controversial, risk factors like taking recreational drugs and accepting money in exchange for sex.

This rule excludes many different types of people from donating blood because of their sexual orientations, and has roots in the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. Today, it has the effect of excluding many people who want to donate blood, including some who may be in committed monogamous relationships or marriages.

You May Like: What Is To High Blood Sugar Level

Screening For Abused Drugs In Donated Blood

ABSTRACT

Donor blood represents one of the most important sources of therapeutic preparations required for various cases necessitating transfusions of plasma or erythrocytes. While, thorough screening tests for, for example, syphilis and other infectious agents are conducted , other analytical tests aiming at the detection of drug residues are rare performed. The present study was designed-as a preliminary study-to discover drugs of abuse in blood in donating King Abdul-Aziz Hospital . A total of 300 EDTA plasma samples was obtained from a King Abdul-Aziz Hospital blood bank from voluntary blood donors after regular whole blood donation. Immediately after sampling, the plasma was separated in a centrifuge, transferred to a 2 mL Eppendorf tube and frozen until analysis. All donors were males in the preliminary test, 28 cases were positive for one of screened substance were positive for tricyclic antidepressants TCA and 20 cases were positive for tetrahydrocannabinol . On the second screen, confirmed cases were 20 cases , 1 case was positive for amphetamine, 2 cases were positive for TCA and 17 cases . Positive cases were significantly younger than negative cases . The present study sheds light on the importance of screening blood and blood products in blood banks for commonly abused drugs, besides regular checkup for infectious diseases. It is advised to put this step as a routine in blood screening as much as the facilities permit to do so.

Services Received:Accepted:

World Blood Donor Day 202: Donating Blood Is An Act Of Solidarity

World Blood Donor Day takes place on 14 June each year. The Day was created to:

• raise global awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion
• highlight the critical contribution voluntary, unpaid blood donors make to national health systems
• support national blood transfusion services, blood donor organizations and other nongovernmental organizations in strengthening and expanding their voluntary blood donor programmes by reinforcing national and local campaigns.

The day also provides an opportunity to call to action governments and national health authorities to provide adequate resources to increase the collection of blood from voluntary, unpaid blood donors and to manage access to blood and the transfusion of those who require it.

Recommended Reading: Blood Sugar 101 In The Morning

Why Might Your Blood Donation Be Rejected

Unfortunately, some willing donors are not permitted to give blood. You may be rejected if:

• You are at risk of transmitting an infection
• You have ever injected yourself with illegal drugs or non-prescription drugs , even if it was just once
• You are involved with activities that put you at risk of contracting HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
• You are HIV positive or carry the Hep B or Hep C virus
• You have recently had a body piercing or tattoo
• You are pregnant or were given a blood transfusion during pregnancy
• You have recently travelled to certain areas of the world outside of the UK
• You have an ongoing medical condition or take regular medication
• You have had cancer
• You have recently received dental treatment
• You are taking antibiotics or have taken antibiotics within the last 7 days
• You have had an infection within the last 14 days
• You are feeling under the weather
• You are a man who has had sex with another man in the last 3 months

You can check whether youre able to give blood here.

What To Eat Before Donating Plasma

Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced, healthy diet is always a good choice, but its even more important on the days leading up to plasma donation. Make sure to get a good nights sleep before the day of your donation. Drink about 6 to 8 cups of water the day before and day of donating, and eat a protein- and iron-rich meal within 3 hours of donation.

High-protein foods include beans and legumes, beef, chicken, shrimp, cheese, eggs, milk, yogurt , and seeds and nuts. Broccoli, beef, beans, iron-enriched breakfast cereals, chicken, ham, dark leafy greens, raisins, and watermelon are all high in iron.

Avoid fatty foods like French fries and other fried foods, pizza, or sweets the day you donate, and dont drink alcohol the night before. These can affect your blood tests and prevent you from donating.

Read Also: Ny Cancer And Blood Specialists Locations

Some Signs Which May Indicate Somebody Is Using Recreational Drugs Include:

• They may become more moody or have mood swings .
• They may start staying out later, or socialising with new friends.
• They may seem more tired and have difficulty concentrating, or lose interest in the things they normally enjoy. Schoolchildren may start doing less well at school, or stop doing their normal hobbies. Adults may neglect their usual responsibilities.
• Sores around the mouth or nose.
• Losing their appetite.
• Odd things around the house, such as torn cigarette packets, small sealable plastic bags, silver foil, needle covers, empty aerosol cans.
• Needing more money, yet nothing to show for it. Money in the house going missing.
• Regularly getting into trouble.
• Shaking, poor co-ordination.

Side Effects Of Donating Plasma

Donating plasma can have side effects that are typically minor, but if its your first time donating, you may wish to have a ride home, just in case. Bruising and nerve irritation are among the most common, usually around the injection site. It may have mild swelling, which can be treated with cold packs. Nerve irritation causes immediate, intense pain at the injection site and can cause shooting pain down the arm and into the hand. If this happens, alert the technician theyll immediately remove the needle. This should eliminate the stabbing pain, although some mild discomfort may remain for a day or two afterward.

More serious risks of donating plasma may be a drop in blood pressure, which can result in light-headedness or fainting. Some people experience this as a result of fear of needles or having blood drawn. Other possible side effects include sweating and paleness, weakness, sudden warmness, or nausea or vomiting. Dizziness and blurred or tunnel vision may also occur.

More serious risks of donating plasma may be a drop in blood pressure, which can result in light-headedness or fainting.

If a mild reaction occurs, the donation is typically paused, calcium may be given to you to eliminate these side effects of donating plasma. However, with a severe citrate reaction, the donation process is halted. You may need emergency attention.

Don’t Miss: How To Lower Blood Pressure While Pregnant

I Dont Need To Donate Because My Blood Type Is Common

This is a popular excuse for people choosing not to donate their blood however, think about it another way. If your blood type is common then, yes, more donors will have your blood type but even more patients will require it. Your blood group is in higher demand than any other! We encourage you to donate if you are eligible, even if you have a common blood group.

How To Donate Plasma

Expect the plasma donation process to take 1 to 2 hours. If its your first time at the donation center, the initial paperwork and health screening may take longer. Depending on how fast the blood draw occurs, the actual donation part takes roughly an hour.

To donate, make an appointment at a reputable plasma donation center. If you arent sure where to go, check with your doctor or a local hospital for recommendations. Currently, there are more than 700 licensed and certified plasma collection centers in the US and Europe Licensing means that your donation will be executed by a trained medical professional in a highly controlled, sterile environment.

Read Also: Low Wbc In Blood Test

Donating Plasma Faq: Everything You Need To Know About Plasma Donation

Do you want to donate plasma, either to earn a little extra money or to help your community? Although its a fairly common practice, its a little more complicated than donating blood. If youre thinking of doing this for the first time, you might be uncertain what to expect. Read on for our guide to frequently asked questions about the requirements for donating plasma and the process overall.

How Does The Blood Donation Process Go

So, weve established that the legal or illegal use of marijuana doesnt affect your eligibility. Lets talk about the donor screening process.

You will need to show your ID for registration and theyll provide you with some info on giving blood. Next, youll talk to a medical professional and answer some questions regarding your medical and travel history, and then theres a mini-physical exam where theyll take your blood pressure and check for other vital signs.

Then its time for giving blood. Youll be seated comfortably in a chair where a pint of blood will be drawn. This process usually lasts about 15-20 minutes, after which theyll give you some refreshments before youre ready to leave and move on with your day.

Don’t Miss: How Bad Is 160 Over 80 Blood Pressure

Is Donating Plasma Painful

Whether the process is painful for you depends on your pain threshold. For some people, donating feels no worse than a pinprick, while others may feel more pain. If the nurse misses the vein or you experience plasma donation side effects, its possible youll experience more pain, but overall, most people report nothing more than mild discomfort.

General Qualifications And Disqualifiers For Giving Blood

There are some specific disqualifiers for donating blood, like taking blood thinners, having an inherited blood clotting disorder, or having traveled to a high-risk country . Alcohol use, cigarettes, and illicit drugs wont disqualify you as long as youre feeling well. For more on specific disqualifiers, you can check the American Red Cross eligibility criteria here.

However, whether youre a weed smoker or not, there are general requirements you have to meet to be an eligible blood donor:

• You must be 17 or older, though in most states you can donate at 16, but you will need parental consent
• You must be in good health and feeling healthy at the time of the donation. This means you shouldnt go if you dont feel capable of performing normal daily activities
• Your weight must be at least 110 lbs
• If youve donated blood in the past year, it cant be sooner than 56 days.

Also Check: Side Effect Of Blood Thinner

What To Expect During Your Donation

How To Prepare For Your Blood Donation:

There are a few things that you should know before you donate blood.

You May Like: Sleep Apnea And High Blood Pressure

Infectious Diseases: Mumps Measles Chickenpox Shingles Or German Measles

• If you’ve had mumps, measles, chickenpox, shingles or German measles, you can give blood provided you’ve been fully recovered for two weeks or more.
• If you have been in contact with someone with an infectious disease and have never had the disease yourself, you must wait four weeks before giving blood.