Wednesday, August 11, 1999
Desperate blood bank reaches out to public
Hoxworth answers common questions
BY TIM BONFIELD
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Jean MacGregor, a parish nurse at St. James Episcopal Church in Westwood, worried she might be too old to give blood.
Mason resident Linda Brune said she doesn't have time to drive to a collection center if she can't be sure they'll take her blood.
As the Hoxworth Blood Center this week launches its second emergency blood drive since June, these Tristate residents were among prospective donors with questions about blood donation.
Mrs. Brune hasn't given blood for years and wonders if she is eligible. But she doesn't want to make a special trip to find out.
“People are so busy, they're not going to jump in a car and drive to Blue Ash (the closest Hoxworth site to Mason) in order to be told they can't give blood,” she said.
Would-be donors may be rejected for several reasons after they come to the collection center, such as failing a blood test for anemia. But most health-restriction questions can be answered in advance by calling Hoxworth at 451-0910, spokeswoman Marsha Terry said.
Ms. Terry addressed several other questions about giving blood:
QUESTION: Is there an upper age limit for giving blood?
ANSWER: No. Hoxworth has collected from some donors well into their 80s. The only age requirement is that donors be at least 17.
“They should send that information to the senior centers around town,” said Mrs. MacGregor, 72. “I haven't given since I turned 65. I just thought, "Oh, I'm too old.'”
Q: Can you give blood if you've ever received a blood transfusion?
A: Yes, after a 12-month period.
Q: Can you give blood if you're taking high-blood-pressure medication?
A: For most medications, yes. The key is that your blood pressure must be under control at the time of donation.
Q: Can you give blood if you've ever had cancer?
A: In most cases, no. Among the exceptions: people who have been in remission for at least five years and were never treated with chemotherapy.
Q:What are the most common reasons people are rejected as donors?
A: The most common reasons for on-site rejections are people with colds or the flu, or those taking antibiotics for infections. Also, people with high blood pressure or low iron (both checked on-site) cannot give.
All donors are asked about medical history, medications, whether they have engaged in unsafe sex, or have recently traveled to countries where blood-borne disease is common. Answering yes to any of those questions means Hoxworth may not accept a donation.
Q: What about body piercing or tattoos?
A: You can give after a 12-month period from your most recent tattoo or piercing.
Q: What about men who take the hair-growth drug Propecia?
A: Finasteride, the active ingredient in Propecia and Proscar, a drug for enlarged prostate glands, can cause birth defects if taken by pregnant women. As long as you are taking the pills, you can't donate blood. You can start giving one month after stopping the medication.
Q: How long does it take?
A: About an hour, including filling out forms, taking a mini-physical, answering required questions, resting and eating snacks. The act of giving blood takes about 15 minutes.
Q: What does Hoxworth do with donors' children?
A: Children are not allowed in the donor area. Some centers have volunteers to help watch children in waiting areas.
Q: Why isn't Hoxworth open on Sunday?
A: Even in past emergencies, too few donors have come in on Sundays to justify paying overtime to staff.
Q: How does Hoxworth make sure the blood collected is safe?
A: The blood bank runs eight tests on blood to look for HIV antibodies, various forms of hepatitis, syphilis and other diseases.
Q: Can you catch AIDS or any other disease from giving blood?
A: No. Hoxworth uses sterile, one-use-only supplies when drawing blood.
DONOR CENTERS
During the blood emergency, Hoxworth Blood Center will open its neighborhood collection sites for extended hours for the next several days, except Sunday.
• Anderson Township: Five Mile Center, 7715 Five Mile Road.
• Blue Ash: 4310 Hunt Road.
• Corryville: 3130 Highland Ave.
• Downtown: 432 Walnut St., second floor.
• Fort Mitchell: 2220 Grandview Drive, Suite 140.
• Springdale: Olde Gate Plaza, 280 Northland Blvd.
• Westwood: 2345 Ferguson Road.
For questions about hours and about whether you qualify to give blood, call 451-0910.
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