Marquette General Laboratory Services

 

Blood Donor Standards – Can You Donate?

 

Upper Peninsula Regional Blood Center


We have long struggled to meet the high demands for blood products, and now as new diseases arise, it is becoming even more increasingly difficult.

 

With new problems such as West Nile Virus, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, and smallpox, the number of screening tests and restrictions has grown. Blood donors are subject to nearly 50 questions before they can donate.

 

The increasing restrictions are taking their toll on our blood supply. Now more than ever the need for blood is critical.

 

We are encouraging all healthy adults to please consider donating blood at our U.P. Regional Blood Center or any one of our blood drives across the U.P.

As a prospective donor, you must appear to be in good health, and are questioned regarding medical conditions, travel history, immunizations, medications, and life style.

 

Your hemoglobin level will be tested by doing a finger stick. Blood pressure, temperature, and pulse are also recorded. Once the screening process is completed successfully, the donation takes place.

 

The blood then goes through a series of tests such as HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, HTLV I & II, and West Nile Virus. The blood can then be typed and labeled for use when it has met all of the safety criteria.

 

Fortunately the investment of time on behalf of the donor is minimal. Donations generally take no more than 30-45 minutes to complete the entire process. The work of the laboratory, on the other hand, is quite extensive.

Before you donate, you may wish to review the following list which contains just some of the reasons why you may be deferred from donating. If you are associated with any of these restrictions, it does not necessarily exclude you from donating, depending on time frames and other circumstances.

 

-Have taken any of the following medications: Avodart, Proscar, Propecia, Accutane,
Soriatane, or Tegison.

 

-Received live or attenuated viral and bacterial vaccines, Hepatitis B Immune Globulin, or Vaccinia vaccine.

 

-Diagnosis or symptoms associated with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), Hepatitis, HIV, or West Nile Virus.

 

-Hemoglobin less than 12.5 g/dL.

-Less than 17 years of age.

-Temperature above 99.5F or 37.5C.

-Irregular and/or rapid pulse.

-Blood pressure greater than 180/100mm.
-Weighing less than 110 lbs.

-Have donated blood in the last 8 weeks.

-Indications of alcohol or drug abuse.

-Any activities or history that may associated with AIDS or Hepatitis.

-A history of Babesiosis, Chaga’s disease, or malaria.

-Had a tattoo or piercings in the last year.

-Exposure to blood-born pathogens.

-Positive test for syphilis or gonorhea or have been treated for syphilis or gonorhea.

-Have any broken bones.

-Having been incarcerated.

-Travel to Europe or England - 1980 to 1997

 

Please don’t let this discourage you from donating blood. All of these restrictions insure that our blood supply is safe for our recipients.

 

Again, some of these activities or occurrences do not necessarily mean you cannot donate. Our questionnaires help to determine which circumstances are allowable and which are not. Please call the Blood Center if you have any questions - 906-225-4610 or 1-800-491-4483.

We hope that you will realize how critical the need for blood is. Roll up your sleeve and please come to donate!

 

Donor Services

 

Upper Michigan Regional Blood Center

 

 

U.P. Regional Blood Center-Escanaba
2500 7th Ave. So Box 17 Escanaba, Mi 49829
Call for an Appointment (906)-786-8420

 

U.P. Regional Blood Center-Hancock
500 Campus Dr. Hancock, MI 49930
Call for an Appointment (906)-483-1392
Mon through Wed 8-4, Thurs. 8-1, & Fri 10-1

 

U.P. Regional Blood Center -Iron Mountain
Medical Arts Building Suite 315 /1711 S. Stephenson Ave. Iron Mountain, MI 49801
Call for an Appointment (906)-774-1012

 

For information, to set up a blood drive or make a blood donation appointment, please call the U.P. Regional Blood Center 906-225-4610 or 1-800-491-4483 (GIVE).

 

Blood Drive Calendar >>