I'm hoping to donate blood next year, when I'm 17 (that's considered old enough where I live).
I noticed, that on the questionnaire, you are asked if you have had any blood relatives diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). My grandmother likely had it - she died when I was two. However, no brain biopsy was performed, so they don't know for sure - it's possible she may have had another disease, like spinocerebellar ataxia, or something else. Also, she isn't an immediate relative.
Can I still donate blood? And, also, does this mean I am at risk for the disease? Mark your application as disease unknown for Grandmother. The blood drive personnel will ask questions and let you explain. Only they can tell you if you could give blood. I've never heard of this question.
Looked further on web... This is from the UK but it might help you.
Why am I deferred from donating blood if a first degree family member has died of CJD? The blood bank has no way of knowing if your relative died of sporadic CJD or a familial or inherited form of CJD.
Although there is no evidence that CJD is transmitted via blood in Classical CJD cases there is no way to prove it is not. The blood banks of Australia currently defer anyone from donating blood who is at risk of CJD. This includes people who have a family history of inherited CJD.
Current infection control guidelines recommend deferral when there is a family history of 2 or more first degree relatives but the blood banks questionnaire refers to one first degree relative.
Technically, people who have had PRNP genotyping confirm no mutation, should be able to give blood. yes if you are healthy and of age you can donate they screen all blood befour it goes to the bank but if your woryed about anything see your family doctor and he or she can answer your qestions or order tests. i think its a grate thing you want to do |
