Bureaucracy and Blood

I saw several announcements in Belgrade asking for blood donors. Well, I thought, I can help. I’ve donated blood before, I’m healthy, and I’ve never experienced any issues from giving blood.

Bureaucracy and Blood

I found the main blood donation center’s address on the project’s website:

Институт за трансфузију крви Србије

Основна делатност Института за трансфузију крви Србије је обезбеђивање довољних количина крви и крвних продуката за потребе здравствених установа.

Institut za transfuziju krviИнститут за трансфузију крви Србије

and went there during my working hours in the morning.

Bureaucracy and Blood

There were two other potential donors besides me, both slightly younger.

I filled out a short form—fortunately, there was an English version—and was quickly directed to the doctor.

Bureaucracy and Blood

At the doctor’s office, I learned that they couldn’t take my blood because I don’t have residency yet.

Well, if they can’t, they can’t. I apologized for the inconvenience and went on with my day.

I don’t have residency yet, as I haven’t been in a rush to obtain it.

But the situation left me wondering: is my blood really unsuitable for donation without residency?

I’ve always assumed that donated blood is thoroughly tested for infections, diseases, and toxins. It is, isn’t it?

If it isn’t tested, or if the testing isn’t thorough, I’d be very surprised and even alarmed by such negligence.

If, however, the blood is carefully tested as I believed, then how exactly is the blood of a non-resident different?

I truly hope that the 400-800 ml they couldn’t collect from me won’t be urgently needed by someone.

Of course, I admit I could be wrong, and there may be a practical reason behind this bureaucratic hurdle. If so, I’d be grateful if someone could explain it to me.

#bureaucracy #sportloto #blood_donation