No one who has had a blood transfusion in the United Kingdom can give blood to the Red Cross, USA Today reported. The new Red Cross limits are aimed to cut the risk of spreading mad cow disease through blood, which carries the disease's infectious protein. To date, though, there is no proof that the human form of the disease has ever been transmitted by transfusion. The Red Cross restrictions are more stringent than federal rules. Regardless, they are sure to increase the blood shortage.
Experts are eager to change the public's misconceptions about blood donations.
For one thing, the needle does not hurt. For another, the equipment used is new, sterile and disposable. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. Giving takes from 20 minutes to an hour. The average person has roughly 8 to 12 pints of blood and can easily spare one every now and then, blood bank officials say.