I just wanted to remind everyone that, as Dr Reese mentioned, we will be taking blood donations tomorrow from 2pm until we run out of donors.
In order to donate, you must be over 17, and there is usually an upper age limit of 65, although we will do this on a case-by-case basis here, since I know not everyone is strictly speaking mortal. If you are female, under 20, and weigh under 143lb, we will have to estimate your blood volume before we will accept a donation from you.
Male donors may donate every 12 weeks, females every 16 weeks, unless you have some ability which changes your regeneration time, in which case I leave it up to your better judgement.
We will ask you all to fill in a brief medical questionnaire to assess your suitability on the day, but to save you the time, the following will prohibit you from donating-
- If you are not currently in good health. - You are currently taking anti-biotics, have just finished a course, or have suffered any infection in the last two weeks. - You have had hepatitis or jaundice in the last year. - You've had a tattoo, semi-permanent make up or any cosmetic treatments that involves skin piercing (including acupuncture) in the last 4 months. - You are pregnant, or have given birth in the last 6 months. - You have ever had syphilis, HTLV (Human T - lymphotropic virus), HIV or hepatitis C. - You've ever worked as a prostitute. - You've ever injected yourself with drugs. - Anyone with haemophilia or a related blood clotting disorder who has received clotting factor concentrates. - Please wait 6 months after returning from a malarial area before giving blood. Please also tell us if you have visited Central/South America at any time. (Those who've had Malaria, or an undiagnosed illness associated with travel, may not however be able to give blood.) - You've had a serious illness or major surgery in the past or are currently on medication. Please discuss this with the clinical staff. The reason you're taking medicines may prevent you from donating. - A member of your family (parent, brother, sister or child) has suffered with CJD (Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease).
I would also like to say that once you have donated, we will use the donated blood as we consider it necessary. This may be for a blood transfusion, it may be to help someone with blood loss resulting from an accident, and yes, it may be used to feed the island's vampire population. I am well aware that Cutler had said that he would understand if someone wanted to donate blood but refuse it to vampires. I apologise, but I feel that should be abolished- if you donate, you agree to it being used without limitation. (If any of my fellow medical practitioners disagree, then of course we can discuss it further.)
If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact us.