Do you think donated blood should be used only in America, or for American solders?

Question

We had a conference in Kansas City of world representatives of blood transfusion services. I had a number of them in my taxi cab and learned that in Europe, only American donated blood is used for those under the age of 18, and those who demand only American blood. It seems that the there is a problem with the contamination of the blood supply by the mad cow virus, for which there still is no valid test. This means that the blood donated here is sold at very high prices in Europe, especially in Britain.

Do you agree with the policy, and should Americans be told that when there is a shortage, part of the reason is because of exports of blood?

As an after thought, I wonder if our solders are given blood strictly from Americans, or whether they obtain any from the British Medical Corp in Iraq?

Answer 1

I do believe that if you donate blood to the Red Cross, it will never be sold for profit.
I believe that those who are able to should donate as often as possible. I am not able to donate blood because of international travel and some health conditions, but if you can donate, PLEASE DO!!

Answer 2

Would you rather see the spread vCJD in children? If the blood can be spared, is it not right to do so? I have no doubt if it could not be spared it wouldn't be, anyway.

I do not believe that what you have been told is entirely accurate. I can only speak for the UK, but here imported blood is only used in those born after 1 Jan 1996 (so under 10's, not under 18's) and blood imported into the UK is from unpaid donors, according to the article linked below. The article further states that "although there is no evidence that vCJD has been transmitted through human blood, it is right that we should take this precautionary step." so there is no certain proof that there is "a problem with contamination of the blood supply" as you suggest. I have never heard of anyone 'demanding American blood', but I could imagine Americans doing so. I've never been offered expensive American blood at the hospital.

Furthermore, I would not be so optimistic about the state of imported blood. Read some of the evidence presented on the web site pointed to in the second link - the USA is in denial about the vCJD ("Mad Cow") epidemic waiting to happen over there. The USA has not learned from the lessons of the UK's experience and continue to rear beef using unsafe practises. This thing takes a long time to show itself, and by the time cows and people start dying it's too late - the disease has a very long incubation period. Cows ARE dying of the disease in the USA right now. Look into it. Enjoy your Big Mac.

Answer 3

If American blood is being sent overseas, it would only be released as an "overstock" here. Selling the blood to other nations can help offset the cost of running blood banks.
Personally, when I donate blood I am doing so to help another person. I have never given thought to whether that person is American or not.
American soldiers receive blood collected in the states, or blood collected in countries with the same standards as we have. Currently, no one who has spent a considerable amount of time in England is eligible to donate here due to mad cow issues. Therefore, we would not take blood from English citizens for use in transfusing soldiers.

Answer 4

There is some truth to that yes. I donate blood to our local community blood center and that question is on the form. I don't know the particular date or rules and have never had to check the question as yes, but I cannot say if it bars you from donating. I think they could check your blood for HIV and maybe clear you for donation but I don't work for the organization. I do know that they need blood so badly that they have nixed many questions and drugs that used to bar you, but then HIV is a whole different ball of wax and the Red Cross certainly would not want to be accused of transmitting any diseases...they try very hard to be extremely careful with that. But they can only go on what tests they have and how honest people are in answering the admittance forms.

Answer 5

Even without exports, we have a shortage of blood. I've never been told of the shortage in Iraq(due to mad cow), but the hospitals I work in have been short of blood on many occasions. And blood here is NOT cheap. If you don't have insurance, you will be paying a LOT of money!!!

I understand that you want to help people in other places without spreading mad cow disease, and I support your efforts, but if it means not having enough for the people we have here then I'd have to say no, I don't agree. I can't say it's okay to give up all of our blood to other countries and let our own citizens die when they need transfusions. It's unethical and inhumane. Are there NO signs of illness when people are donating?

Answer 6

What kind of compassion do you have if you want to donate blood, but dictate to whom it goes? Sure now, you say "Give my blood only to Americans, not Europeans!" and so many of you cheer that sentiment. But what if the donor said, "Give my blood only to white people. Don't give my blood to any black people!"?

Donating blood should be an act of kindness and altruism to benefit anyone who needs it.

The fact of the matter is, blood has a finite shelf life of about a month. It needs to be used. If there's a shortage, get your arms out there and donate. But don't rush all at once (as was the case post-9/11) -- make sure you follow up a month after the shortage to maintain supply.

I salute the Israeli doctors who regularly donate blood to Palestinians injured during attacks. That is altruism and heroism in my book.

Answer 7

right now we are in low supply of blood for people in America. I know that the bases blood drives go towards soldiers. It is a fine line to make that judgement many people can not give blood and many people can and just are to lazy

Answer 8

LOL go figure they found another way to literally suck us dry! I don't think the blood should go to anyone other than Americans/ Amercian Soldiers, if neither needs it store it! Dont roll it on the blood bank market. How can you actually go out and buy clean blood when American supplies run short?

Answer 9

I would like to be told BEFORE I donate that it might go somewhere else. They should give an option. I'd much rather save an American soldier than someone in Europe. I'm not mean, but we should be worried about our soldiers first.

Answer 10

I believe selling blood is illegal just as selling ones kidney would be! you have been mislead myfriend. Plus donation to a nonprofit facility such as Red Cross is kept as such no profit is made.