Weirdly, because I lived in the UK
for more than 1 year between 1980 & 1996, I can't give blood in Ireland.

Why? Because 'of the risk of variant CJD'. It's disappointing 'cos I was a regular donor before I moved & I was gutted to be turned away, I always felt like I was doing something really worthwhile. (Whilst lying down not doing anything, which always appeals.)

The risk, even according to the Irish Blood Transfusion's own website, is statistically minute. 200 cases worldwide. Ever. But if you have spent a total of at least one year in the UK between '80 & '96 (cumulatively) they don't want to know you.

Edit: a bit of research indicates that the Americans, Germans, Danish, Aussies, Singaporeans & Swiss feel the same way about my erm, potentially toxic blood. However, the Canadian, Kiwi & Polish blood transfusion services don't want to know you if even if you've never left the Emerald Isle...
(minlan no longer barks at bancleys, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 14:20, Reply)