Allergy to Anticoagulants?

Question

I was curious about a possible allergy to Anticoagulants. I tried to donate plasma at the local red cross, and during the process I got extremely cold and started shaking. They stopped the process. The supervisor who talked to me after said its possible allergy to Anticoagulants or lack of calcium possibly. At that time I had very little calcium in my diet, and now its much better. I would like to register as a bone marrow donor or do other donation methods besides whole blood. Is there a way to test if the allergy is what caused the reaction a few years ago, or if anyone has any other insight in the matter.

Thanks
Steve

Answer 1

Why don't you just get tested to see if you an allergy to Heparins and other anticoagulants then you will know.

Answer 2

before you go through all kinds of allergy testing - think about your donation experience for a minute. when you donate a blood component like plasma, you're hooked up to a centrifuge that separates your blood, takes what you're donating, and returns the rest. the blood that returns to your body is going to be between 70 and 80 degrees by the time it re-enters your system. hypothermia starts when the body temperature hits about 95 degrees.

were you covered in blankets and wearing warm clothing? one good rule of thumb is to never wear shorts when you donate. long pants and a knit shirt (golf/polo shirt) if possible to keep your temperature up. the center i donate platelets at has a giant microwave with hot blankets coming out of it, and blankets get changed every 30-45 minutes.

this doesn't sound like a calcium problem to me. check that out if you should have been warm enough...

Answer 3

There are doctors who specialize in testing for allergies. You could talk to one of them.

And meanwhile, make sure to have plenty of calcium in your diet. You'll probably want that anyway, if you wish to become a donor.

Another thing you can do is check the little box asking if you wish to be a donor in case of an accident on your license or ID card. And talk to your family about it: That should lessen complications if such an accident does occor.

Answer 4

your body does not compenstae and it did not match....