a little help?

[Trowa]

Hi!

I'm a student, 16 this year. I want to donate blood. Do i have to submit the consent form? can i opt not to?

I read through the threads in the forum, something about thalaessemia interests me. My mum has beta-thalassemia. My dad passed away, so i couldn't find out. But still, despite all this, I want to donate my blood. i don't want to feel helpless anymore.

Thanks in advance to anybody whom took the trouble to read through this.

[krishnan]

Dear Trowa,

Appreciate your initiative to start early to be a blood donor.
I have forwarded your query to redcross to respond.

Btw, there is a team which monitors this forum (almost) 24x7 :)

regards,
Krishnan
Chairman, Donorweb

[laine]

Hi Trowa,

Many thanks for your support towards the National Blood Programme. We are happy to know that you have chose to donate at 16.

With regards to the submission of parental consent form, this is compulsory. Anyone of age 16 and 17 have to submit the parental consent form before they are allow to register for blood donation.

Thanks for sharing with us your interest to know more on thalassaemia. The Bloodbank do not do screening on thalassaemia. You will need to do thalassaemia screening before you could decide if you are suitable to donate blood. One with thalassaemia major cannot donate but minor can. Thalassaemia minor can only donate either plasma or platelets.

As your Mum is a thalassaemia minor, there are chances that you might inherit her traits. It is good for you to know your health status by doing a screen. The National Thalassaemia Registry provide such service with a subsidy as long as you have formal document that states your Mum's condition. For details, I suggest you contact National Thalassaemia Registry at 6394-1863 or 6394-1866.

Do hope this clarify. Thanks again.

Best regards,
Elaine Tham

[Trowa]

Thanx Everyone..

I'm glad to be clarified of things... but certainly, it's ashame that i'm not eligible to donate on my own will. I will do a health screening for thalassaemia. Oh! And by the way, I don't know what's my blood type...

Hopefully, hopefully, hopefully... i won't get the minor... The best X'mas present i can give... is my blood to those who needs it. :P thanx a lot to everyone.

[Shan Xue]

Hi Trowa,

There is nothing to be ashamed of. Parental consent is compulsory for all age 16 or 17.

Your blood type should be indicated on the reverse side of your IC.

i wish i could have started donating at 16 :roll:

it is nice to know youngsters like you with caring hearts :)

[Trowa]

:D :oops: I'm flattered...

Well, when i made my IC, the letter said something like ' With effect on this date, blood group will no longer be part of the information on the card'

Geez.... till now, I still don't know what's my blood group...

[Shan Xue]

does not matter. you can find out your blood group through blood donation. :)