# Genghis Bob goes double-red; Genghis Bob falls down **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 22, 2004, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481 "2004-09-22T14:11:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Genghis\_Bob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/45deac/32.png) [@Genghis\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Genghis_Bob)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2004, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/1 "2004-09-22T14:11:05Z")
I donated blood Monday night at my church. Since I’m a “universal donor” (O-negative? O-positive? I can never remember), they asked me if I would be a “Double Red” donor. This is a new thing, and very cool. They hook you up to a machine, and they take two pints of blood, rather than the usual one. They keep the platelets and return the serum , with a little extra saline to top you off. In this way they get twice the usual amount of the really good stuff, and you don’t get all dehydrated. And, you still get the juice and cookies afterward. Yay! It takes a little longer than giving whole blood (okay, twice as long, but what’s another twenty minutes?), and they double the length of time you must wait before you can donate again, which is alright with me – it’s more efficient this way. I give the same amount of stuff, with fewer visits. Tuesday night, I went to Kung Fu class, as usual (you can see where this is heading, right?). The drill this time was partner-work: you charge at your partner as if you’re going to knock him over. He pivots out of the way, trapping your outstretched arm and doing cool Kung Fuey things to you along the way. Most of the time, you end up on the ground. Then you switch roles, back-and-forth, charge-and-throw. It’s great fun, great cardio exercise, and a good time is had by all. Heh. Except for the part where I have one-sixth fewer platelets than I usually have. As I understand it, platelets are the guys who transport oxygen around, right? Fewer platelets, less oxygen. Less oxygen, less cardio for Genghis Bob. About three minutes into my usual gung-ho charging and throwing, I got winded. Real winded. Five minutes in (I wasn’t smart enough to dial-back), I got woozy (that’s a technical term). And clammy. And sweaty. Another student who was watching remarked “you know, Mr. Bob, you just got awfully white.” This coincided with my decision to sit down, rather than fall down. So went the evening. I slowed my charges to a nice geriatric pace, but even so I had to stop several times during the hour to catch my breath and still my heart. My partner, a very fit twenty-something, did jumping jacks and squats to keep his cardio up and stave off boredom. My Sifu, after ascertaining that I wasn’t dying, let us regulate our pace. The whole experience was pretty interesting. I’m in generally good shape, cardio-wise (\*real \* good shape, compared to most folks my age). I’ve worked out past exhaustion before, and I know what it feels like – I’ve hit the wall before, and pushed past it (that’s half the fun). But I’ve never had the wall be so proactive as to rush up and hit \*me \* before. And when the wall hits you, there ain’t no hitting back. I like donating Double Red – it makes me feel more useful somehow, and the nice Red Cross people sure seem grateful. Now I’m monitoring my cardio, to gauge when I’m a fit partner in the dojo again. I’ll be interested to see how long it takes to get back to “regular”. ---
**Author:** ![Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2004, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/2 "2004-09-22T14:30:34Z")
You’re O negative (join the club!) I once donated blood, then ran up 4 flights of stairs because I was late for class. Then I went blind for 10 minutes… It’s now my rule of thumb to do _nothing_ on days that I donate. ---
**Author:** ![Genghis\_Bob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/45deac/32.png) [@Genghis\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Genghis_Bob)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2004, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/3 "2004-09-22T14:35:15Z")
> [@Barbarian](#): > > You’re O negative (join the club!) > > I once donated blood, then ran up 4 flights of stairs because I was late for class. Then I went blind for 10 minutes… > > It’s now my rule of thumb to do _nothing_ on days that I donate. When I was in school, we planned to \*drink \* on the days that we donated. The Red Cross soon learned to schedule blood drives on campus for Thursdays, the traditional start of the weekend. ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2004, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/4 "2004-09-22T14:36:38Z")
Actually, I think O-positive is universal donor. The blood bank is always happy to see me since I’m O+. I highly recommend for everyone who is able to give blood. You never know when you’ll be the one in need… ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2004, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/5 "2004-09-22T14:40:41Z")
> [@Hypno-Toad](#): > > Actually, I think O-positive is universal donor. The blood bank is always happy to see me since I’m O+. > > I highly recommend for everyone who is able to give blood. You never know when you’ll be the one in need… Dredging up old high school and college biology memories, I’m pretty sure O-negative is the universal donor, as being both type O and Rh-factor negative you lack the various proteins that would react poorly with other types. However, O-positive is decent because you at least can donate to any other positive blood type. My dad was O-negative and was on the Red Cross’s “we need you!” mailing list. ---
**Author:** ![Genghis\_Bob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/45deac/32.png) [@Genghis\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Genghis_Bob)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2004, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/6 "2004-09-22T14:45:04Z")
It’s O-Neg. Cite. You’d think I could remember that . . . ---
**Author:** ![Bruce\_Daddy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/85f322/32.png) [@Bruce\_Daddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bruce_Daddy)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2004, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/7 "2004-09-22T14:49:01Z")
When I was in college we would go donate blood and come back to the apartment and have a beer or two. Dunno if it was power of suggestion but we thought it got us pretty drunk. ---
**Author:** ![One\_And\_Only\_Wanderers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/838e76/32.png) [@One\_And\_Only\_Wanderers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/One_And_Only_Wanderers)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2004, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/8 "2004-09-22T14:59:17Z")
> [@Hypno-Toad](#): > > Actually, I think O-positive is universal donor. The blood bank is always happy to see me since I’m O+. > > I highly recommend for everyone who is able to give blood. You never know when you’ll be the one in need… O- is universal donor AB+ is universal acceptor (im one) O blood is more useful generally as it can be given to A’s B’s & AB’s (dependant upon Rhesus status). That’s probably why they’re so happy to see you. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2004, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/9 "2004-09-22T19:48:12Z")
> [@](#): > > I donated blood Monday night at my church. I’m impressed. My church only accepts cash or checks. ---
**Author:** ![Arch\_Trout](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9f8e36/32.png) [@Arch\_Trout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arch_Trout)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2004, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/10 "2004-09-22T22:41:37Z")
> [@One And Only Wanderers](#): > > O- is universal donor > > AB+ is universal acceptor (im one) > > O blood is more useful generally as it can be given to A’s B’s & AB’s (dependant upon Rhesus status). That’s probably why they’re so happy to see you. So what does A double negative mean? Not that I can give blood as I’m allergic to needles. Every time I try to donate my arm gets a big rash on it and itches like hell, then it’s sore ☹ ---
**Author:** ![MysteryFellow63427](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e4f/32.png) [@MysteryFellow63427](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MysteryFellow63427)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2004, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/11 "2004-09-22T22:55:09Z")
> [@One And Only Wanderers](#): > > AB+ is universal acceptor (im one) Vampire TV commercial: “Ven you’re out of AB positive, you’re out of blood!” [/far side] ---
**Author:** ![Waenara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/50afbb/32.png) [@Waenara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waenara)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2004, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/12 "2004-09-22T23:04:50Z")
> [@Genghis Bob](#): > > Heh. Except for the part where I have one-sixth fewer platelets than I usually have. As I understand it, platelets are the guys who transport oxygen around, right? Fewer platelets, less oxygen. Less oxygen, less cardio for Genghis Bob. Actually, platelets are important for blood clotting. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are the ones who carry oxygen around. [Types of Blood Donations](http://www.bloodservices.ca/CentreApps/Internet/UW_V502_MainEngine.nsf/web/98D2A7D647A2C3F085256AAF006FE521?OpenDocument) (from the Canadian Blood Services website). ---
**Author:** ![One\_And\_Only\_Wanderers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/838e76/32.png) [@One\_And\_Only\_Wanderers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/One_And_Only_Wanderers)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2004, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/13 "2004-09-23T07:36:21Z")
> [@Arch Trout](#): > > So what does A double negative mean? > > Not that I can give blood as I’m allergic to needles. Every time I try to donate my arm gets a big rash on it and itches like hell, then it’s sore ☹ no idea. negative means lacking that factor which is in the blood of a Rhesus monkey. By those standards double negative is meaningless - so it must be referring to something else. I would be interested to know what myself. ---
**Author:** ![dwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwyr/32/363_2.png) [@dwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dwyr)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2004, 7:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/14 "2004-09-23T07:59:40Z")
I’ve never heard of a double negative blood type before. I’m curious too. I’ve worked blood bank off and on for the last fourteen years. ---
**Author:** ![Tygr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/df788c/32.png) [@Tygr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tygr)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2004, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/15 "2004-09-23T13:48:26Z")
> [@Doctor Jackson](#): > > I’m impressed. My church only accepts cash or checks. Yeah, and at mine they actually give YOU some blood. In these little glass thimbles. > [@Genghis Bob](#): > > …and doing cool Kung Fuey things… Like jumping into the bottom drawer of a filing cabinet wearing a janitor’s outfit, then jumping out of the top drawer of a filing cabinet wearing a mask & gi? You number-one-super-guy! ---
**Author:** ![Snickers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Snickers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snickers)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2004, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/16 "2004-09-23T13:56:36Z")
Good on ya, **G Bob**. I’m O neg too - they really seem to like me. I donated on Tuesday! I’ve really never had a problem with dizzyness and such after donating. Perhaps I just naturally follow the “do nothing” advice - lord knows I could be more active lately. ---
**Author:** ![Genghis\_Bob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/45deac/32.png) [@Genghis\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Genghis_Bob)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2004, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/17 "2004-09-23T14:09:43Z")
> [@Snickers](#): > > Good on ya, **G Bob**. I’m O neg too - they really seem to like me. I donated on Tuesday! > > I’ve really never had a problem with dizzyness and such after donating. Perhaps I just naturally follow the “do nothing” advice - lord knows I could be more active lately. Follow advice? Advice from smart people who know more then me? Now where’s the fun in that?!? ---
**Author:** ![Snickers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Snickers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snickers)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2004, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/18 "2004-09-23T14:19:04Z")
Besides, what the hell do they know? You’re not the boss of me! ---
**Author:** ![Vlad\_Igor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/7feea3/32.png) [@Vlad\_Igor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vlad_Igor)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2004, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/19 "2004-09-23T14:31:39Z")
> [@dwyr](#): > > I’ve never heard of a double negative blood type before. I’m curious too. I’ve worked blood bank off and on for the last fourteen years. dd instead of Dd? Still doesn’t make much sense, because of you have one D, you are still positive. Maybe an old term for Rh-, like in the venerable tradition of Weiner, or Fisher-Race, or CDE shorthand, or Rosenfeld, etc _ad nauseum_. Anyway, as **Waenara** points out, platelets are for clotting, red cells are for oxygen transport. When I’ve donated, I feel off for the rest of the day. Vlad/Igor ---
**Author:** ![DogMom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9c0ed/32.png) [@DogMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DogMom)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2004, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481/20 "2004-09-23T14:57:48Z")
> [@Arch Trout](#): > > Not that I can give blood as I’m allergic to needles. Every time I try to donate my arm gets a big rash on it and itches like hell, then it’s sore ☹ Do you have that problem when you get shots, or is it just when you donate? Do they use the iodine stuff on you when you donate? If so, and you don’t have a problem if you have to have blood tests or shots, it may be that you’re allergic to the iodine. (Fairly common). I am, and I have to go to the local non-moving blood donation center because the bloodmobiles don’t (can’t?) carry the iodine replacements anymore. Something about regulations. I load up on the Iron for a week before I go so I’m eligible for a Double-Red. Forgot my Iron supplement the morning I wanted to donate the last time, and guess who wasn’t _quite_ eligible for a DR donation??? :smack: Oh well, I gave 'em a “regular” donation this time and I’ll try again in November for the DR donation. (They’re really cool about the DR donation at the Red Cross center here though - TVs, they get you pop or juice or cookies while you’re donating if you want - and it’s REALLY cool to watch the tubes to the separator machine.) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genghis-bob-goes-double-red-genghis-bob-falls-down/265481.md?page=2)