Should people with CFS donate blood?

[Margaret Diann]

I just started donating blood - twice this year: May 3 and Oct 8

I didn't see any question on whether or not someone had CFS, CFIDS, FM?

I noticed that if you have taken Accutane it is OK to donate blood if it has been 4 weeks since your last medication. (I disagree; Accutane has a butylated inert ingredient. I suspect there is reproductive harm to not only women, but men, too; for the rest of their lives ... not just during the time the medication is being taken)

I noticed a question about having a particularly odd sounding type of Central Nervous System damage ... so I suppose you would be declined if you had that?

There is no question about whether or not someone has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I think they shouldn't be allowed to donate blood (they probably have an autoimmune immune system ... would that affect a recipient?)

... and anyway, even if they can pass the volume of red blood cells or hematocrit test (38 or above per their test machine), they will someday need their blood ... so why donate it?

Also, for donated blood that turns out to be mostly immature red blood cells (they evaluate it more when their blood lab evaluates it) what do they do with it? Put it in the mix - or just use parts of it?

There was also a question on 'have you been in jail?'
Does that mean they wouldn't take your blood?

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[39mto39g]

Instead of blood they can give platelets.

Ron