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Now that I’m cooled off, I can write sensibly about the insane decision Grifols of Boise handed down regarding my ability to donate blood plasma.

Every now and then I have given blood plasma as a way to do something for others and it’s nice they pay me a little for the 3-4 hours it usually took out of my day. I always knew if I was in a pinch for some gas money or diapers for the kids I could always run over to the plasma center and give them some of my plasma.

There are also other benefits I would notice when I did this regularly … the most notable was I started to loose a few pounds for which I could stand to loose a few more … my blood pressure usually was more consistent and with in good ranges, I stayed hydrated ( a must in order to donate anyway) and overall I felt good about donating and the small health benefits as a side bonus.

I recently decided I would go back and start donating again, we could use the extra money and it would give me some time to read and listen to some of the podcasts I need to catch up on. I was there on Tuesday last and was told since I last gave plasma in ’07 that I was considered a new donor again, requiring me go through the physical and new donor pre-screening. Problem was I got there 5 minutes too late as they were not taking new donors for the day. frustrated I went home.

The next day (Wednesday) I arrived with plenty of time, went through the initial screening, and about 2.5 hours into my visit I was called in for the physical. After asking me a series of questions (some repetitive from the previous screening steps) the screener asked me if I had any piercings ( the answer was right there in front of him on the form I had filled out) and he added even closed piercings which is something I don’t remember ever being asked before. I was reminded I once had my left ear pierced in JR High back in the mid ’80′s … so I mentioned that.

The HAMMER drops !

The screener then pulled out the same form that was filled out by the screener in ’07 which didn’t indicate my ear piercings, he had me read the acknowledgment print right next to my signature that showed the text – including closed piercings – in parenthesis. He then stated that what comes next is the part of his job that sucks … the part where he points out on the current form by signing I am agreeing that all the information is true and correct and if it is not that I will be permanently deferred from donating plasma.

So basically, what they are saying … since I omitted the fact that I had ear piercings more than 25 years ago on my previous donation screening, I am now permanently BANNED from EVER giving plasma. I tried to tell the guy it was an oversight, I wasn’t asked about closed piercings previously and didn’t notice the fine print next to my signature before either. The guy tried to empathize with me, but said there was nothing he could do.

To say I was upset is an understatement, I mean if anyone has ever given blood plasma and seen the trashy people who get accepted you’ll understand why it’s an outrage to be banned from giving plasma for a simple oversight on paper that has NO baring whatsoever on my ability or the safety of my blood plasma. The stipulation that prohibits a person from giving plasma in regards to piercings is with in a 12 month period, so why is it that something that I forgot to add from 25 years ago would have such a permanent consequence is beyond me.

I just don’t get it … but then again, I guess I have a lot better things I can do productively with 4 hours of my time.

A shout out to Grifols … YOU SUCK! …

I feel better now …