hcbb.com

Medication Deferral List

Matt — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 18:24:28 +0000

By Shane Hubbard | April 10, 2023 |

In an effort to make medical deferral information more easily accessible, we have put together this post listing all the medical deferrals that are currently in place.

These deferrals are first categorized by what they do, then by their medical and market name, then by the deferral time.

If you need help with learning more about these deferrals, please reach out to us by phone at 661-323-4222.

A Note About Medications

**DO NOT STOP taking medications prescribed by your doctor in order to donate blood.**

Donating while taking these drugs could have a negative effect on your health or on the health of the recipient of your blood.

Before donating, please tell us if you are being treated with the following types of medications or have taken:

How to Find Your Medication

You can hit the keyboard key “ctrl + f” to bring up an on-page search bar.

Type the name of your medication and if it is on the deferral list, it will be highlighted in yellow

Blood Donor Medicine Deferral List

Anti-platelet agents (usually taken to prevent stroke or heart attack)
- Feldene (piroxicam) – wait 2 days after last dose
- Effient (prasugrel) – wait 3 days after last dose
- Brilinta (ticagrelor) – wait 7 days after last dose
- Plavix (clopidogrel) – wait 14 days after last dose
- Ticlid (ticlopidine) – wait 14 days after last dose
- Zontivity (vorapaxar) – wait 1 month after last dose
Anticoagulants or “blood thinners” (usually to prevent blood clots in the legs and lungs and to prevent strokes)
- Xarelto (rivaroxaban) – wait 2 days after last dose
- Fragmin (dabigatran) – wait 2 days after last dose
- Lovenox (enoxaparin) – wait 2 days after last dose
- Pradaxa (dabigatran) – wait 2 days after last dose
- Eliquis (apixaban) – wait 2 days after last dose
- Savaysa (edoxaban) – wait 2 days after last dose
- Arixtra (fondaparinux) – wait 2 days after last dose
- Coumadin, warfilone, jantoven (warfarin) – wait 7 days after last dose
- Heparin, low molecular weight heparin (warfarin) – wait 7 days after last dose

Acne Treatment
- Accutane, amnesteem, absorica, claravis, myorisan, sotret, and zenatane (isotretinoin) – wait 1 month after last dose
Multiple myeloma
- Thalomid (thalidomide) – wait 1 month after last dose
Hair loss remedy
- Propecia (finasteride) – wait 1 month after last dose
Prostate symptoms
- Proscar (finasteride) – wait 1 month after last dose
- Avodart (dutasteride) – wait 6 months after last dose
- Jalyn (dutasteride) – wait 6 months after last dose
Basal Cell Skin Cancer
- Erivedge (vismodegib) – wait 24 months after last dose
- Odomzo (sonidegib) – wait 24 months after last dose
- Aldara (imiquimod) – wait 2 months after last dose
COVID Monoclonal Antibody Therapy or Antiviral medication – 3 month deferral
Other COVID-19 medications – 3 month deferral
- Eamlanivimab
- Etesevimab
- Casirivimab
- Imdevimab
- Remdesivir (Another name is Regeneron)
Relapsing multiple sclerosis
- Aubagio (teriflunomide) – wait 24 months after last dose
Rheumatoid arthritis
- Arava (leflunomide) – wait 24 months after last dose
- Rinvoq (upadacitinib) – wait 1 month after last dose
Psoriasis
- Soriatane (acitretin) – wait 36 months after last dose
- Tegison (etretinate) – not eligible
Hepatitis exposure
- Hepatitis B Immune/Globulin (HBIG) – wait 12 months after last dose
HIV Prevention – Wait 4 months after last dose for the following:
- Truvada
- Descovy
- Tivicay (dolutegravir)
- Isentress (raltegravir)
HIV Therapy
- Antiretroviral – permanent deferral
Experimental Medication or Unlicensed (Experimental) Vaccine – wait 12 months
Growth hormone from human pituitary glands – not eligible
Insulin from Cows (Bovine or Beef Insulin) manufactured in the United Kingdom – not eligible
Immunosuppressant or Other Medications (These medications can be used to treat cancers, auto-immune disorders, or organ transplant anti-rejection).
Wait 3 months after last dose for the following:
- Orencia (abatacept)
- Xeljanz (tofacitinib citrate)
- Enbrel (etanercept)
- Remicade (infliximab)
- Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)
- Humira (adalimumab)
- Cellcept (mycophenolate mofetil)
- Cosentyx (secukinumab)
- Otezla (apremilast)
- Imuran/Azasan (azathioprine)
- Rheumatrex, trexall, otrexup, rasuvo (methotrexate)
- Prolia, Xgeva (denosumab)
- Purixan, Purinethol (mercaptopurine)

If medication is not listed, please contact us here.

Scheduling Your Donation

If you are clear to donate, you can schedule your next blood, platelet, or plasma donation by clicking here

Donate Blood If You Have a Tattoo?

Matt — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 18:19:53 +0000

Can You Donate Blood If You Have a Tattoo?

By Shane Hubbard | April 18, 2023 |

The quick answer is yes, you can donate blood if you have one or multiple tattoos.

How soon after a tattoo can you donate blood?

You can donate after 7 days as long as you received your tattoo in a state-regulated, licensed parlor using sterile needles and non-reusable ink.

If these requirements aren’t met, it will be a 4-month deferral for donating blood.

Why can’t you donate blood after getting a tattoo?

The only reason you would not be able to donate blood 7 days from when you received your tattoo would be if you got the tattoo in a non-state-regulated tattoo parlor, the artist used unsterile needles, and/or the ink used was reused.

Check with your local tattoo parlor to see if they are state-regulated facilities. Many tattoo parlors in California are state regulated.

Currently, the only states that DO NOT regulate tattoo facilities are:

Maryland
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New York
Pennsylvania
District of Columbia
Georgia
Idaho
Utah
and Wyoming.

Where can I schedule my next donation appointment?

The easiest way to schedule your next blood donation appointment is by going to www.hcbb.com/schedule or clicking here.

We recommend checking our Medicine Deferral List before scheduling your appointment.

Who Can Donate Plasma

Matt — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:19:36 +0000

The Ultimate Guide to Plasma Donations

By Shane Hubbard | March 28, 2023 |

You may be wondering who can donate plasma, what it is, and how the process works. We will be covering all of that and more in this article.

What is blood plasma?

The liquid portion of blood that suspends various cells such as red blood cells, platelets, and other cells in our bloodstream is referred to as plasma. This particular blood constituent comprises numerous proteins and essential substances like electrolytes and clotting factors, which are vital for our body to function optimally.

A plasma donation is a noble act of giving a specific component of your blood to aid certain categories of patients. This act of generosity is especially crucial in aiding individuals who have suffered from severe burns and those battling clotting disorders. Without your lifesaving donation of plasma, patients in need of plasma go untreated. Plasma cannot be synthesized so donations from donors just like you are their direct line of hope.

Who is eligible to donate plasma?

You must be 17 years of age or older, or 16 with parental consent ( You can download consent forms here English, Spanish)
You must weigh at least 110 pounds
You must be free from any flu or cold-like symptoms
You must not be on antibiotics

For additional requirements, please refer to the donor eligibility steps that can be found on our Donor FAQ page

*Please note: Donors who were previously pregnant are tested for HLA antibodies as the presence of these antibodies could put a patient at risk for Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI). As long as no HLA antibodies are present, you will be cleared to donate plasma.*

How can I prepare for donating plasma?

Here is a short list of best practices to prepare you for donating plasma:

Have a well-balanced meal of protein, healthy carbs, and good fats 1-2 hours before donating.
Practice good hydration by drinking an additional 16 ounces of water prior to donating.
Fill out the donor questionnaire online before your appointment date.
Bring headphones to listen to music, watch YouTube, or listen to a podcast.
We also recommend a book or a magazine to keep you entertained as you donate
We advise using the bathroom before your plasma donation as you will be in the donor chair for about 2 hours.

For a complete list of what to do to prepare for your donation, take a look at this detailed article.

What does the process for donating plasma look like?

Registration: Bring your ID and check in with one of our team members when you arrive. You will be instructed to read our donor educational material and fill out the donor questionnaire. To make your donation appointment a breeze, fill out your donor questionnaire on the day of your scheduled appointment.
Screening: When your name is called, you will be directed to one of our private screening rooms where a nurse/phlebotomist will ask you confidential health questions and perform a mini-physical (temperature, hemoglobin levels, blood pressure, etc)
Donation: You’ll then be invited to a donor chair when you pass the health requirements. Once you are seated, the actual donation will take about 90 – 120 minutes
Recovery: After your donation, you will be provided with snacks and refreshments to replenish your body while you relax for about 15 minutes in the canteen.

Are specific blood types encouraged to donate plasma?

Yes, the ideal blood types for plasma donations are donors with blood types AB+ and AB-. Donors with these blood types are called universal plasma donors because their plasma can go to any patient. That being said, all blood types are important and needed. Even if you are not AB+ or AB-, you can still donate plasma.

How do I donate plasma?

We highly recommend scheduling an appointment to donate plasma via our scheduling website portal. We also recommend filling out the donor questionnaire the same day you are scheduled to donate. The donor question can be found on our homepage at all times for ease of use. Once you have arrived at one of our donor centers, be sure to let our registrar know that you are donating plasma.

Does donating plasma/platelets hurt?

There are two parts to the process you will feel a slight pinch or what some donors call “a bee sting feeling.” The first part is during the screening process. A sample of your blood will be taken to check your hemoglobin (iron) levels. The second will be when the needle is gently put into your arm so the donation process can begin. We made a quick video on tips for donors who are afraid of needles.

Is donating plasma safe?

Donating plasma has been confirmed by the FDA to be a safe procedure. The specialized TRIMA machine and the process for donating plasma have been evaluated and tested for your safety. Our TRIMA machines are routinely tested and our phlebotomy staff is trained and tested to confirm all safety procedures are followed. All plastics and needles coming into contact with you are used once and discarded immediately after. At no time during the procedure is the blood being returned to you detached from the needle in your arm, so there is no risk of returning the wrong blood to you.

How is my plasma taken from my body?

Donating plasma is very similar to giving blood but with the help of a TRIMA machine. First, a needle is placed into a vein in your arm. Plasma is collected through a process called plasmapheresis and is conducted in cycles. The first step involves drawing whole blood from your arm and then the plasma in your blood is separated from the red blood cells and other cellular components. The red cells are then returned to your body with a sterile saline solution to help the body replace the plasma removed from the whole blood.

How long does it take to donate plasma/platelets?

Your plasma donation will take approximately 2 hours. We have personal TVs with free Netflix and Amazon Prime streaming and free WiFi. We recommend bringing something to read or headphones to listen to music or videos on your phone as well. If you ever need anything during the donation process, a friendly phlebotomist or nurse will be nearby to help you.

Who does my donated plasma go to after I donate?

We work closely with hospitals and care centers all across Kern and LA counties to ensure your plasma donations go directly to patients who have suffered severe burns and those battling clotting disorders. Your invaluable contribution through plasma donation can significantly accelerate the healing process for these patients, enabling them to attain a better quality of life sooner rather than later.

Does Houchin pay for plasma donations?

All blood, plasma, and platelet donations at Houchin are voluntary donations.

When can I donate plasma again?

You will be able to donate plasma again 4 weeks after your last plasma donation.

What is the best way to schedule my next donation appointment?

If you would like to schedule your next donation appointment, please visit us at www.hcbb.com/schedule

Posted in Donation Prep, Donor education, Plasma donation and tagged donate plasma, how to donate plasma, plasma donation, what to do before donating plasma

Foods to Eat Before Donating Blood

Matt — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 15:23:52 +0000

Overview

In this article, we will discuss the foods that you should consider eating before donating blood to avoid feeling weak, dizzy, or faint after donating. Donating blood is an act of kindness that can save lives. However, many people feel weak and dizzy after donating blood, which can be attributed to the lack of proper nutrition prior to your donation appointment. The food we eat before donating blood can have a significant impact on how we feel afterward, which is why you should prioritize what you eat before donating.

Increase Your Body’s Iron and Hydration Before Donating Blood

Before donating, you want to prioritize eating foods naturally high in iron and decrease the consumption of foods that block the absorption of iron in your body. There are two different types of iron found in foods: heme iron and nonheme iron. Heme iron is more easily absorbed by your digestive system, which means you will be able to extract more iron from foods rich in this compound. Non-heme iron is mostly found in plants and is harder for your body to extract. Your body absorbs up to 30 percent of heme iron (animal foods) and only 2 to 10 percent of nonheme iron (plant foods). We will cover the exact foods to eat, and avoid, before donating down below.

Foods to Eat Before Donating Blood

Here are some of the foods that one should eat before donating blood:

1. Iron-Rich Animal Foods (Heme Iron Foods)

Iron is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells. Eating iron-rich foods before donating blood can help increase the number of red blood cells in the body, which can make the donation process more comfortable and decrease your chances of being deferred for having low iron.

Animal foods rich in iron include:

Steak
Ground beef
Chicken
Eggs
Turkey
Pork
Shrimp
Tuna

2. Iron Rich Plant Foods (Non-Heme Iron Foods)

The iron found predominantly in plants is called non-heme iron, which isn’t absorbed as well as the heme iron found in animal foods. But not to worry if you are a vegetarian or vegan, you can still eat these plant-based foods to get as much iron as you need before donating blood. Here is a list of plant-based foods that you should consider eating before donating blood

Vegetables

Spinach
Broccoli
Sweet potatoes
String beans

Grains

Iron Enriched Cereals
Oats (Oatmeal)
Wheat Bread
Rye Bread

Beans

Tofu
Lentils
Kidney beans
Garbanzo beans

Fruits

Strawberries
Blueberries
Raisins
Dates
Watermelon
Tomatoes

3. Foods Rich in Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron from the food we eat, especially non-heme iron found in plant foods. Therefore, consuming foods rich in vitamin C with iron-rich foods before donating blood can help increase iron absorption and your chances of passing the screening process. Foods that are high in vitamin C include oranges, as well as orange juice, strawberries, kiwi fruit, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

4. Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates are slow-digesting, which means they release energy slowly and steadily. Consuming complex carbohydrates before donating blood can help maintain blood sugar levels, preventing a sudden drop in blood pressure. Foods rich in complex carbohydrates include whole grains, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, and quinoa.

5. Foods Rich in Protein

Protein is essential for the production of red blood cells and for repairing tissue. Consuming protein-rich foods before and after donating blood can help increase the number of red blood cells in the body, making the donation process more comfortable. Foods rich in protein include eggs, chicken, fish, nuts, and seeds.

What to Drink Before Donating Blood

Hydration is the key to passing the screening process and having a successful blood donation. That is why we recommend drinking an additional 16oz (2 cups) of water before donating blood. This additional 16oz is on top of the daily recommended intake of water (72 to 104 ounces).

Foods to Avoid Before Donating Blood

While some foods can increase your chances of passing the screening process and on to a successful donation, some foods should be avoided or limited before donating blood. Here are some of the foods that you should avoid before donating blood:

1. Fatty Foods

Fatty foods can increase the level of fat in the blood, making it harder for the body to absorb iron. High-fatty foods can also interfere with the testing of your blood, and if we can not test your blood for infectious diseases, we won’t be able to send it to someone who needs it. Therefore, it is best to avoid fatty foods before donating blood. Some classic examples of these fatty foods are donuts and fried foods like chicken and French fries.

2. Alcohol

Alcohol can dehydrate the body, making it harder for the body to replace the lost fluids during blood donation. We recommend that you avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours prior to donating blood at a donor center or mobile blood drive.

3. Iron Blocking Foods & Drinks

There are a key group of foods that we recommend reducing or avoiding several hours before donating blood.

They are:

Coffee and tea
High-calcium foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt
Red wine (or alcohol in general)
Chocolate

4. Caffeine

Caffeine can constrict blood vessels, making it harder for the body to absorb iron (as recommended to avoid on the food list above). It can also cause an increase in urination, which can lead to dehydration if you do not also increase your intake of water. Consider limiting yourself to 1 cup of coffee a few hours before donating blood if you often donate in the morning. If you do have coffee or a caffeinated beverage, drink additional water to re-up your hydration levels.

5. Aspirin

If you’re donating blood platelets — a different process and component of blood — your body must be aspirin-free for 48 hours prior to donation. If you plan to donate platelets and are currently taking aspirin, please consult your doctor before you stop taking aspirin.

If you have more questions about donating blood, platelets or plasma, we highly recommend checking out our donor FAQ page here

Conclusion

Donating blood is a noble act that can save lives in our community. However, it is essential to eat the right foods before donating blood to avoid feeling weak, dizzy, or faint after donating. Consuming iron-rich foods, foods rich in vitamin C, complex carbohydrates, and adequate protein can aid in your after-donation experience being pleasant. If you would like to schedule your next donation appointment, please visit us at www.hcbb.com/schedule

Posted in Donation Prep and tagged donating, foods to eat before donating, preparing before donation