PLATFORM : Blood Donors

As I prepare myself both physically and mentally for my surgery, the last thing I need to worry about is whether the blood I receive will be free of AIDS or hepatitis. Unfortunately, I don’t have faith in our nation’s blood supply.

Because of the circumstances behind my operation, I did not have time to donate my own blood. However, I was fortunate to have a substitute source through my family. Not everybody has that option.

I don’t think there have been enough adequate steps in the screening process, particularly the paid donors. There has to be much more stringent governmental control of the blood supply.

While donors are asked a series of questions about their background, there are no guarantees that the donor is telling the truth. There needs to be a test and retest of donors to ensure that the blood is safe. Until there are concrete assurances that the blood supply is safe, patients must be made aware that they have options.