All Power to Kibkom

[JBA]

As an aside to my Medical Appeal....

Yesterday I counted up calls and emails and I have received 17 offers of platelets directly as a result of my post here. I mentioned this to the blood bank when I talked to them this morning and they said that is more than they get most weeks for blood - and they appeal for donors in the local press and on TV most nights.

Maybe you will see their appeal here soon!

[Marions]

Wow. That is extremely gratifying to learn. Aren't there some c wonderful people on kibkom
Just c wish i could give mine (platelets) bit they don't take antiques

[elizabeth]

What is the age limit here for blood donors, is it the same as the UK.

[JBA]

I don't know about the UK but here the upper limit is 65.

The blood bank at Lefkosa is open 24/7 to receive donations - that is probably true also of Girne (certainly to distribute blood because it is an A&E hospital) but I don't know for sure.

[Marions]

I believe platelet donors have to be much younger than 65-more like 45. Would be happy to stand corrected

[JBA]

The blood bank rule for platelet donors is 'only male and only 50 years or younger' and even then not everyone is acceptable. This is because less than 10% of women overall, and people over 50, have large enough veins for blood to flow at the rate the machine needs - too slow and it cannot function properly and automatically stops.

They are so careful because the filters need to be changed after every use - also it takes a long time to clean it ready for the next donor. Even a couple of drops of blood would mean the full replacement/cleaning process so they don't try unless they are pretty sure to get a result.

If you pass the vein inspection they then test your blood and if that is clear they proceed with filtration to get the platelets.

They told me that the full process (which includes failed attempts), with blood tests, costs them about US$500 - the filters are especially expensive. No wonder they are so selective.

[Marions]

Thanks-kinda thought so. Although I have seem some birds with tougher everything's than some men

[Hector]

What are the conditions i.e. age, medical conditions etc. re just giving blood as a donor? Where can you donate?

[JBA]

Hector

I will be seeing them on Tuesday and I will try to get a fuller understanding of their needs and rules and publish it here as a new post.

I do know that they are desperately short of donations , it is nearly a permanent factor of their work. Having witnessed the kindness of Kibkomers in my own case, and owing the blood bank a lot for their help over the last 3 months, I thought an appeal here would certainly help them.

[JBA]

Hector

The new post is up now ..... Giving Blood - The Facts