Red Cross lost my blood!?

Question

I just called their 800 GIVE LIFE NUMBER and was told there's no record of my donation there because they only serve PA and NJ. I told them I donated in NC so I was given their number to call...I call NC only to be told they have no data on individuals' donations or personal information. They have no such database and I'd have to call the 800 GIVE LIFE number 'cuz that's their main branch...
I call them AGAIN, press a diff. # only to be directed to the same inebriate I spoke with the first time.She insisted I call the NC branch again, and I informed her they have NO DATA and I was told that I need to speak to someone at the main branch. She said my information does not pop up because I donated in CA. CA? What is she talking about??? This woman sounded like she did drugs; erratic and non-sensical. I cut her off and asked to speak to someone else there, preferably a manager. He got on the phone/ gave me the same run-around/ I panicked and shouted "Where is my blood!" No one knows...

I should mention I donated with my friend back in mid October, same day same time. He has since gotten his card back in November in the mail while i'm still waiting for mine. What if there's something weird in my blood and I won't know until it's too late? Time is a key factor, right?

Let me re-iterate...I got my blood tested before I donated (and I'm ok) but what got me on edge is that they took all of my personal information down and now claim they DON'T have it! As if I don't exist, WTF?

Isn't this a huge breach of security?

I can only imagine that they're with-holding my info because of something gone so wrong, but so far they're giving me the impression that they're morons who lose people's information like it's nothing... What steps do I need to take now? Who should I contact?

Answer 1

Once you donate blood, you do not have the right to know where it goes. If they provided that information it would violate the recipients privacy rights.

Your local branch should have the records of your donation so you can track when you can donate next and how much you have donated.

By the way, you should not donate blood to get medical testing. The test that are conducted on the blood is for the purpose of determining if the blood is safe to administer to another patient. If you suspect you have an illness, you should see a doctor.

Answer 2

If you are concerned there is something in your blood - go see a doctor - not the red cross. If you do not have health insurance your local health department or planned parenthood can test your blood for a low cost (on a sliding scale). They even sale HIV tests that you do at home and mail - you can purchase the at most drug stores.

Since you have donated the blood - it is no longer yours. They do not have to tell you where it is or what happened to it.

Stop obsessing and call a dr to get your blood tested if you think you are at risk for having a disease.

Answer 3

If you feel you may have some blood disease, go to the doctor and get yourself checked. Blood donation is for people who reasonably suspect that their blood is healthy enough to possibly save someone's life. It is irresponsible of you to donate blood for the sole purpose of finding out if you may be unhealthy.

Answer 4

the red cross didn't lose your blood, they lost your card. call and tell them that it is the card your looking for and you will have better results. they won't tell you anything over the phone about your blood anyway. they won't even acknowledge tht you gave any. how do they know you are who you say you are? ever hear of fraud?

Answer 5

They did not lose it, they used it. That was nice that you did this.
Next time you give blood ask the same question. You can have some of mine if your B +.