Poll :: What do I do about the plasma bank? |
E-mail their headquarters again and tell them that their answer wasn't good enough |
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28% |
[ 4 ] |
Blow up their spot and report them to the school paper and the Better Business Bureau |
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0% |
[ 0 ] |
Go piss on their doorknob |
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71% |
[ 10 ] |
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Total Votes : 14 |
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Kubo
Joined: Aug 24 2005
Location: Mount Holly, NJ
Posts: 1062
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I wanted to post about this earlier, but the sheer dread that is associated with the story precluded me from doing so.
About three weeks ago, I was trying to make a little extra scratch by donating plasma. I've done this many times before (up to like 40), and hadn't had any problems. I was bringing in a bonus sixty bucks a week for doing it, and I got to go to bed at night knowing that I was helping some poor bastard with leukemia. It wasn't a sweet gig.
Anyway, I hadn't done it for about a year before January 20th, then decided I need to go do it again, because hell... sixty bucks is sixty bucks. So I get needled, am sitting there reading my book about Islamic Fundamentalism and Democracy in the Middle East, and notice that the phlebotomist is taking care of the donor next to me. On my right, this dude had just finished his donation, and the phlebotomist is sealing the plasma line to take the guy's donation to the back room. So he uses his little iron job, yanks on the line, and fucking sprays the guy's plasma on my left arm (my non-needle arm). Here is how the next 15 seconds went down:
Phlebotomist: Uh... did I get you?
Kubo: Yeah, go get me an antiseptic wipe or something.
Phlebotomist: Uhhh, oh no.
Kubo: Dude, go get me something, now.
(Phlebotomist comes over and sprays my arm with antiseptic and wipes it)
Kubo: Just give me the goddam thing, and call your head tech over here.
So now, I've been exposed to this guy's biohazardous material. Luckily for me, the guy has been giving there for a long time, and has been tested for everything ad nauseum. Also luckily for me, I don't THINK he got any plasma in my needle wound or in my eyes or mouth. Regardless, I have to go through this whole thing where I have to fill out an incident report. At the end, the guy says: "Really, this wasn't an exposure since it didn't get into your bloodstream, but if you want to go get bloodwork done, we'll pay."
I say, "Yes, and yes you will."
So I go get bloodwork done the following day. Got my results last Saturday: No Hepatitis C, No Hepatitis B, No HIV, Liver functioning 3.5x normal.
Wtf.
My liver was functioning three times what it should have been when I got blood drawn. Now normally what that means is a) cirrhosis, b) diabetes, or c) liver cancer. Fuck.
So I go to University Health Services to follow up on my liver test. I get blood drawn just today, and my doctor (who is awesome) got back to me already, telling me that my liver functioning is back to normal, and it was probably so high due to strained muscles in my arms from lifting. All liver functions back AOK. Kubo lives.
Now onto these plasma assholes. I e-mailed them, telling them that that shit was unacceptable, and that they need to have either fewer beds in the clinic, or barriers between donors. I got an e-mail back: We're sorry about the incident, and you can rest assured that we re-trained the phlebotomists. Re-trained the phlebotomists? Fuck you guys. They were trained BEFORE that fucker gave me a golden shower with that dude's plasma. So now, I'm considering going to the school paper and letting campus know that the plasma bank is not safe. I do have a moral dilemma though. If I reduce the number of people that donate- who am I really hurting?
That moral dilemma and my current acute sinusitis aside- it's a good evening. I don't have liver cancer, diabetes, or hepatitis. Thanks liver. I like you just the way you are.
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 Thou, because I am wroth, be not dismayed, for I shall win the strife, whoever circle round within for the defence. This their insolence is not new, for of old they used it at a less secret gate, which still is found without a bolt. Above it thou didst see the dead inscription; and already on this side of it
descends the steep, passing without escort through the circles,
One such that by him the city shall be opened to us. |
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Kubo
Joined: Aug 24 2005
Location: Mount Holly, NJ
Posts: 1062
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For the record, here's the e-mail I got back:
Good afternoon Kurt,
First of all, I want to extend my apologies for the incident that
happened in our center a short time ago. I understand your frustration and your
concern. We take bodily fluid spills very seriously in our center, and
we apologize that you were splashed with someone else's plasma. I thank you
for your comments and I express regret that the event ever took place.
The staff have been retrained on the importance of sealing the lines when
disconnecting donors. We have addressed the issue, and we feel that we
have taken the appropriate steps to ensure that something like this won't
happen in the future. I thank you for your positive comments about (three of the people that work at Biolife) who helped respond when the incident occurred.
I hope that we will see you back here to donate in the future.
Thanks for your time
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 Thou, because I am wroth, be not dismayed, for I shall win the strife, whoever circle round within for the defence. This their insolence is not new, for of old they used it at a less secret gate, which still is found without a bolt. Above it thou didst see the dead inscription; and already on this side of it
descends the steep, passing without escort through the circles,
One such that by him the city shall be opened to us. |
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Burt Reynolds
Title: Bentley Bear
Joined: Apr 07 2008
Location: California
Posts: 1399
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I would go with not writing anything about it in the paper. It's a terrible and scary incident, but like you stated, it helps people out that really need it. I'm a hypo, so your scenario would have had me sleepless for days. I prefer the Mitch Hedberg approach to HIV testing. Call a friend and say hey, you know anyone with AIDS?, if he says no, then cool because he knows me.
Also, it takes a tragedy for a person's liver to get the recognition it deserves. I try to thank all my vitals on a daily basis.
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 Dances with Wolves 2 is gonna ROCK! |
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UsaSatsui
Title: The White Rabbit
Joined: May 25 2008
Location: Hiding
Posts: 7565
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Glad you're okay.
I think you're overreacting, though. I don't see what they did wrong.
A mistake was made, and they reacted appropriately by disinfecting it quickly and sending you to get your blood tested. Someone did something wrong, and they (supposedly) corrected them. It's disturbing to get someone else's blood splashed on you, but what else do you expect them to do? Besides "Not screw up in the first place", of course.
Personally, I'd let it go. I particularly wouldn't go to any news source and tell them it's "unsafe" unless you can dig up some evidence that it's not (like this thing happens daily or something). Not only would it be a disservice, but it could be libel.
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DarknessDeku
Title: Deku Scrub
Joined: Dec 08 2007
Location: The Forest
Posts: 3285
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Wow. That's some crazy stuff right there. Glad to hear that you are going to be fine.
Are you going to do anything to the plasma center? Where is this place even at?
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i'll_bite_your_ear wrote: |
DarknessDeku is already assimilated by the bots.
He knows your algorithm. |
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Kubo
Joined: Aug 24 2005
Location: Mount Holly, NJ
Posts: 1062
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DarknessDeku wrote: |
Wow. That's some crazy stuff right there. Glad to hear that you are going to be fine.
Are you going to do anything to the plasma center? Where is this place even at? |
I've been leaning towards doing nothing for the reasons others have listed above. I think I'd just be hurting those that need the plasma more than anything. I see what you're saying too Usa, but the fact that it happened at all and their only response was to re-train their phlebs doesn't seem sufficient enough to warrant them as "safe." I think what bugs me most about the whole thing is when I went to get my bloodwork done, one of the trained nurses told me that those that draw blood at the plasma center don't go through formal medical training. I believe her words were: "They might as well watch a training video like you would if you worked at Pizza Hut." I believe it, too. Most of the people that work there look like undergrads that are just trying to make some money themselves.
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 Thou, because I am wroth, be not dismayed, for I shall win the strife, whoever circle round within for the defence. This their insolence is not new, for of old they used it at a less secret gate, which still is found without a bolt. Above it thou didst see the dead inscription; and already on this side of it
descends the steep, passing without escort through the circles,
One such that by him the city shall be opened to us. |
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UsaSatsui
Title: The White Rabbit
Joined: May 25 2008
Location: Hiding
Posts: 7565
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Quote: |
I see what you're saying too Usa, but the fact that it happened at all and their only response was to re-train their phlebs doesn't seem sufficient enough to warrant them as "safe." |
Well, nothing is truly "safe" in the world. But the fact that it happened once doesn't mean much. If it happens constantly, or if their response was completely unacceptable when it did happen, I'd completely agree with you. But it looks like an isolated incident.
If you really want to pursue some sort of action against them, step one would be finding out if this -was- an isolated incident. They're required to keep records, you even had the honor of adding to them. Get that info.
Quote: |
I think what bugs me most about the whole thing is when I went to get my bloodwork done, one of the trained nurses told me that those that draw blood at the plasma center don't go through formal medical training. I believe her words were: "They might as well watch a training video like you would if you worked at Pizza Hut." I believe it, too. Most of the people that work there look like undergrads that are just trying to make some money themselves. |
That nurse probably didn't bother to mention if she herself had "formal medical training".
It's a fair point. But nonprofits take what they can get. Which usually isn't top-notch medical techs. But I don't see what else they can do besides train their techs not to spill blood, which is the -real- issue that neither barriers nor fewer beds would solve.
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GPFontaine
Joined: Dec 06 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 11244
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Kubo,
This situation is not acceptable at all.
I think you should write back and tell them that there needs to be a larger distance or barrier between patients. Accidents do happen and will happen in the future. The cost of a mistake could be the life of a donor. That is simply will not do.
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Char Aznable
Title: Char Classic™
Joined: Jul 24 2006
Location: Robot Boombox HQ
Posts: 7542
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Spreading blood-borne pathogens VS the cost of a few shower curtains. Let's weigh the options for a moment.
I'd go with the curtains, personally.
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SoldierHawk
Moderator
Title: Warrior-Poet
Joined: Jan 15 2009
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 6108
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I second maybe calling HQ and making a (non-confrontational) recommendation about curtains or whatever. But, since they did all they could to help set things right once the mistake was made, I wouldn't be an asshole about it, or publicly try to call them out.
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William Shakespeare wrote: |
Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none. |
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DarknessDeku
Title: Deku Scrub
Joined: Dec 08 2007
Location: The Forest
Posts: 3285
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I read your original post again and I have to wonder, why were you upset at the guy? It didn't seem like he was the one that did anything wrong.
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i'll_bite_your_ear wrote: |
DarknessDeku is already assimilated by the bots.
He knows your algorithm. |
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MOGHARR
Title: The Original CandyWafer
Joined: Apr 05 2007
Location: Under Jolly Roger
Posts: 2718
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My Dad gives plasma too and pretty much everyone that works ther are students too. I wouldn't do anything too bad since it was just a shitty accident. You should still piss on the doorknob though.
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"Well I don`t judge most things by graphics, reality has amazing graphics, and I don`t like it, that`s why I play video games." Laminated Sky on Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker |
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UsaSatsui
Title: The White Rabbit
Joined: May 25 2008
Location: Hiding
Posts: 7565
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While curtains may not be feasible depending on the place, it is a good suggestion and probably worth making.
Remember that these people are trying to take as much blood from as many people as they can at the smallest cost. I have no point there, it's just something to remember.
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Kubo
Joined: Aug 24 2005
Location: Mount Holly, NJ
Posts: 1062
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DarknessDeku wrote: |
I read your original post again and I have to wonder, why were you upset at the guy? It didn't seem like he was the one that did anything wrong. |
Which guy? If you mean the phlebotomist, I'm pissed off at him because he 1) didn't seal the other dude's plasma line properly, and 2) yanked on the damn thing. Given I'm not an expert in the field of phlebotomy, but it seems like you should make sure the line is sealed and not yank on a tube with bodily fluid in it.
If you mean the dude that e-mailed me, it's not really him I'm angry with. I'm angry that it happened at all, and he's just a representative of that company. That said, yes, mistakes happen, and yes, it's only reason to really get involved if it's a pattern of this sort of thing.
Still, I think I have every right to think that the phlebotomist is a dipshit. There's no way that sort of thing should happen because the guy yanks on a line that isn't sealed.
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 Thou, because I am wroth, be not dismayed, for I shall win the strife, whoever circle round within for the defence. This their insolence is not new, for of old they used it at a less secret gate, which still is found without a bolt. Above it thou didst see the dead inscription; and already on this side of it
descends the steep, passing without escort through the circles,
One such that by him the city shall be opened to us. |
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Kubo
Joined: Aug 24 2005
Location: Mount Holly, NJ
Posts: 1062
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UsaSatsui wrote: |
Remember that these people are trying to take as much blood from as many people as they can at the smallest cost. I have no point there, it's just something to remember. |
Word. I think I'm just gonna let the situation drop because I'm fine (although I still have to get another 6 months of bloodtests to be sure), and I don't want people to be deprived of medical help they need.
I'm still gonna call over though, and request a copy of my incident report. I'm also going to ask if this has happened before. If it has happened a few times, then really, more fundamental changes need to be made other than re-training.
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 Thou, because I am wroth, be not dismayed, for I shall win the strife, whoever circle round within for the defence. This their insolence is not new, for of old they used it at a less secret gate, which still is found without a bolt. Above it thou didst see the dead inscription; and already on this side of it
descends the steep, passing without escort through the circles,
One such that by him the city shall be opened to us. |
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DarknessDeku
Title: Deku Scrub
Joined: Dec 08 2007
Location: The Forest
Posts: 3285
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Kubo wrote: |
DarknessDeku wrote: |
I read your original post again and I have to wonder, why were you upset at the guy? It didn't seem like he was the one that did anything wrong. |
Which guy? If you mean the phlebotomist, I'm pissed off at him because he 1) didn't seal the other dude's plasma line properly, and 2) yanked on the damn thing. Given I'm not an expert in the field of phlebotomy, but it seems like you should make sure the line is sealed and not yank on a tube with bodily fluid in it.
If you mean the dude that e-mailed me, it's not really him I'm angry with. I'm angry that it happened at all, and he's just a representative of that company. That said, yes, mistakes happen, and yes, it's only reason to really get involved if it's a pattern of this sort of thing.
Still, I think I have every right to think that the phlebotomist is a dipshit. There's no way that sort of thing should happen because the guy yanks on a line that isn't sealed. |
Yeah, I was talking about the guy that emailed you.
Still, I'm glad you are not sick or anything,
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i'll_bite_your_ear wrote: |
DarknessDeku is already assimilated by the bots.
He knows your algorithm. |
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Kubo
Joined: Aug 24 2005
Location: Mount Holly, NJ
Posts: 1062
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DarknessDeku wrote: |
Still, I'm glad you are not sick or anything, |
Thanks man, me too.
I'm not much of a hypochondriac, but weird close calls like this skeeve me out.
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 Thou, because I am wroth, be not dismayed, for I shall win the strife, whoever circle round within for the defence. This their insolence is not new, for of old they used it at a less secret gate, which still is found without a bolt. Above it thou didst see the dead inscription; and already on this side of it
descends the steep, passing without escort through the circles,
One such that by him the city shall be opened to us. |
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Hacker
Banned
Joined: Sep 13 2008
Posts: 3129
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Aqua Hedgehog
Joined: Nov 02 2008
Posts: 725
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MOGHARR wrote: |
My Dad gives plasma too and pretty much everyone that works ther are students too. I wouldn't do anything too bad since it was just a shitty accident. You should still piss on the doorknob though. |
Or jack off on it.
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Cameron
Title: :O � O:
Joined: Feb 01 2008
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 4637
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I can sympathize with your initial reaction; it's not every (or any) day that someone else's plasma is spattered on your arm. Personally I'd probably vomit in my mouth, and then proceed to verbally assault all parties responsible.
And like the others said, it's good to hear that you're not like poisoned or anything like that.
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Ermac
Title: Thread Killer
Joined: Aug 04 2008
Location: Outworld
Posts: 1512
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hacker wrote: |
Just let it go. |
exactly, hacker is growing in the ways of the force
also Kub I think you have a right to be pissed but those kind of things happen man.
Just like when you ride on a motorcycle and fall off, its probably not going to happen but their is the possibility it still might. That is the risk with giving blood.
If you wanna continue to give blood just go to another place
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username
Title: owner of a lonely heart
Joined: Jul 06 2007
Location: phoenix, az usa
Posts: 16127
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i guess its not unreasonable to trip about that situation. i dont blame you, but personally, i wouldnt care if that happened to me. if i got aids or something, then i definitely would be pissed, but since they only draw from clean people, the chances of that were nil imo
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Klimbatize wrote: |
I'll eat a turkey sandwich while blowing my load |
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Rycona
Moderator
Title: The Maestro
Joined: Nov 01 2005
Location: Away from Emerald Weapon
Posts: 2815
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The guy is a fucktard and I hope he at least will be more careful from now on.
Good to see you're okay... and watch your liver.
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 RIP Hacker. |
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Syd Lexia
Site Admin
Title: Pop Culture Junkie
Joined: Jul 30 2005
Location: Wakefield, MA
Posts: 24882
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You should get a list of everyone involved with the company and use the money from your movie deal to fly around the country beating them up.
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Kubo
Joined: Aug 24 2005
Location: Mount Holly, NJ
Posts: 1062
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username wrote: |
but since they only draw from clean people, the chances of that were nil imo |
True, the only concern on my part was that I didn't know if the guy had been there before. They don't check your blood until after you donate, so if it had been his first time there, there's be no basis of knowing what he had swimming around in his blood cells. Since he had been though, you're right, the chances of contracting something are virtually nil. Really, I was just skeeved out, and more concerned about it happening again to some poor schmuck with a cut on his arm and a splatter coming from someone who hasn't been checked in the past. THAT would be scary.
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 Thou, because I am wroth, be not dismayed, for I shall win the strife, whoever circle round within for the defence. This their insolence is not new, for of old they used it at a less secret gate, which still is found without a bolt. Above it thou didst see the dead inscription; and already on this side of it
descends the steep, passing without escort through the circles,
One such that by him the city shall be opened to us. |
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