Despite complicated questions, blood donation still vital

If you've donated blood more than once, you have probably noticed how there always seems to be some new requirement or restriction, new questions and variations on the routine.

There may be one more question coming, according to a new report by food scientists, including two from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

They have found evidence that eating peanuts before you donate could cause a reaction in the recipient if he or she is allergic to the food.

A 6-year-old boy in the Netherlands who received a transfusion as part of his cancer treatment developed a rash, low blood pressure, swelling and had difficulty breathing -- the same reaction he experienced at 1 year old after eating peanuts.

Three of the five blood donors involved recalled eating several handfuls of peanuts the evening before donation. Further tests confirmed the boy's peanut allergy. The researchers said the reaction happens because the major peanut allergen resists digestion.

They emphasize that it's important not to overreact to the finding, since it involves only one person, and his immune system was compromised because of his illness.

More study is needed to determine whether this was an isolated case, or if blood banks need to ask one more question when screening donors.

It seems like biology is conspiring to make blood donation as complicated as possible -- all the more reason to make sure we donate when we can.

That's especially important during the summer months, when it's easy to miss a chance to donate.

"Holiday weekends are particularly challenging to collect enough blood and platelet donations with fewer blood drives scheduled and fewer donors available," said Tricia Rubens, CEO of the Midwest Region. "But the need for blood is constant. Every two seconds, a patient needs a blood transfusion."

To encourage donation, all presenting donors from May 25-31 within the Midwest Blood Services Region will have the opportunity to win one of three summer grill sets, complete with a mini-gas grill, tailgating cooler and grilling utensils.

A special blood drive, in honor of the late Rev. Dr. Chris Atkins, is set for the Evangelical Free Church, 602 East 14th in McCook, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

If you missed the last regular McCook blood drive, this might be a chance to catch up.

If you can't give Saturday, please consider donating next time you can. Don't let complicated forms and dozens of questions keep you from doing what you can to save someone else's life.