Blood Type Rant/Question?

Our local blood bank does it for free when you donate! You get a card in the mail with your blood type written on it. Right now they are also testing all donations for the antibodies for Covid19 so that would be another incentive to give blood.
 
I have been donating for years and P2B donates plasma as well as power red. If he hadn't donated, he wouldn't have known his blood type. Even though he had 3 surgeries, it is not listed in the medical records that we could see.
Tip for donors, be an advocate for yourself. I have had great phlebotomists with Red Cross, and not so great phlebotomists. If you are in pain, say so, if they seem to be struggling and want to try another arm, ask for a more senior phlebotomist. Red Cross has very experienced employees, and very junior employees, a mixed bag for sure. It is possbile to politiely ask and advocate for yourself.
Bruising is somewhat normal depending on the donor. I do usually get a small hemotoma and have a tender arm for a day or so.
That being said, still heartily support donating.
 
navypmw said:
There are other TB tests that involve taking blood (interferon gamma release assays). The advantage of this test is that you don't need to return to your providers office in 48-72 hours to have the skin test checked for reaction.
Click to expand...
I had the "tine test" on many occasions and usually had to return to get "read". After having it many many times, I had the occasion to get it through the reserves where they tested us on a Saturday but we would be off duty and away when 48-72 hours came along so they handed us a sheet of paper with instructions and pictures and had us call in with the results. Now with the advent of facetime, this could easily be done remotely using a phone and a ruler.
 
Donate Blood, they will Type you. My 18 yo daughter is over a gallon. Every pint you donate SAVES 3 LIVES=24 Lives per gallon! Talk about a lifetime of Service! Please enroll in Be The Match; My Company Commander in the 90's did a drive for his Brother, I have no idea how many people that impacted but it is a phenomenal feeling if you can give someone HOPE!!
 
I would expect the Military (any branch) to do their own blood typing at the first opportunity instead of relying on your self reporting. It will become part of your permanent medical record (and your dog tags). I can never remember my blood type, but have a dog tag to remind me.

Don't worry -- you will get used to blood draws ! Just hope you don't get the 18 year old Corpsman just out of A school.
 
MullenLE said:
West Point can do your blood typing :wiggle:
Click to expand...
I assume this isn't covered in the DoDERB physical exam, however, if it is that would be great! For NROTC, the attending university is requesting this lab work be brought to campus prior to starting NSO.
 
I am 58 years old and have no idea what my blood type is. When my son when in for his AF Medical Flight screening, he was told what his was. I find it interesting with the numeroius number of times i have my blood tested, they have never tested for blood type (as far as i know)
 
Humey said:
I am 58 years old and have no idea what my blood type is. When my son when in for his AF Medical Flight screening, he was told what his was. I find it interesting with the numeroius number of times i have my blood tested, they have never tested for blood type (as far as i know)
Click to expand...
I may be wrong but I believe they always test for type. When transfusjng the blood types must match or the donor must be a universal donor. I'm sure @Devil Doc or Mr Mullen could confirm. I expect they just aren't notifying you.

But then again I've been known to be wrong from time to time. Just ask my wife.
 
Repeat from above:

captainzwife - There's an excellent reason why we stopped blood typing in the 90s. I won't bore folks with it here, but it is DoD Policy :wiggle:
 
MullenLE said:
Repeat from above:

captainzwife - There's an excellent reason why we stopped blood typing in the 90s. I won't bore folks with it here, but it is DoD Policy :wiggle:
Click to expand...
Just in case that was for me, I was referring to general blood donation agencies, like Red Cross. My comment was not made with respect to DoDMERB physicals. I was responding to Humey, but I should have been more clear about that.
 
^ No worries. Hard to tell what one is saying sometimes. My wife always expects me to read her mind when she says, (with my back turned) "Put this there". I think I fell into that habit this time.
 
kinnem said:
Just in case that was for me, I was referring to general blood donation agencies, like Red Cross. My comment was not made with respect to DoDMERB physicals. I was responding to Humey, but I should have been more clear about that.
Click to expand...
Well i have never donated blood so that may part of the issue. However as far as I know, Kaiser has never tested me for blood type or if they have they have never told me. I have seen my medical records on line and they dont show it either. I have also never had surgery so that is another reason.
 
Humey said:
Well i have never donated blood so that may part of the issue. However as far as I know, Kaiser has never tested me for blood type or if they have they have never told me. I have seen my medical records on line and they dont show it either. I have also never had surgery so that is another reason.
Click to expand...
Sounds like there has never been a reason. To test your blood type. Only needed if you're donating or receiving blood. The military does it, of course, because they don't have time or equipment to type it in the field. I stare the obvious, I guess.
 
For non military purposes there is absolutely no reason for anyone to know their blood group(s). No medical professional is going to take self reported grouping at face value. Your blood will always be tested before each and every transfusion you may require.

For military purposes, I would expect the service to follow their own requirements and inform you if you need to do anything.


As an aside, I also cannot look when my own blood is taken, even though I have taken blood from others countless times and have worked with other people’s blood for many years 🩸😬
 
sydeny mum is 101% correct! That was one of the reasons the DoD told us to stop performing the blood draw years ago. :wiggle:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top