Dear Editor,

While living in Toronto I donated blood twice a year to the Red Cross, made easy because it was across the street from my office. When I moved back to Guyana I continued to donate blood because I knew it was the right thing to do. Some time ago I stopped at the National Blood Transfusion Service on Lamaha Street to donate my pint of blood. I was told I had to weigh 110 lbs before I could donate so when they weighed me and I was only 109 lbs, I was rejected. When I asked why, I was told: “Someone from North America had visited and told them 110 lbs was the minimum weight required.”

This doesn’t make sense to me; I think if your blood is screened and you are in good health your blood should be accepted. I can think of many cultures where a high percentage of the women weigh less then 110 lbs even when in good health. Is there a medical reason for this 110 lb limit?

I am looking forward to a response from the Ministry of Health on this matter.

I look forward to giving my blood to help save lives.

Yours faithfully,

Syeada Manbodh