The rules vary depending on the organization taking the blood, (e.g. Southwest Blood and Tissue has somewhat different rules than Am Red Cross), but basically if you lived in Europe a cumulative five years from about 1980 to early 90s, they don't want your blood because of the risk of CJD. The Blood Center of Central Texas rules say if you were on an American military base in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and a few other countries for 6 months or more during approximately the same time frame, they don't want your blood. There are different time frames and lengths of stay for the UK, but roughly in the same period of time. I had two long tours, more than 6 years, in Germany during that time frame, with visits to the UK, so I get knocked out a couple different ways. These rules were not in place when I first came back in the 90s, and I donated regularly until 2000-something, but the rules got more stringent over time.AndyC wrote:They take mine, and I was in Africa, Europe and Iraq up until 4 years ago.
However, as I said, each blood collecting organization sets its own rules, so check with whoever you are going to for the specifics.
I wish I could donate again, but participation in Uncle Sam's international travel program trips me up.
