Forums > Social Chat > are you eligible?
Login/Join to ParticipateBRONZE Member
Pooh-Bah
2,084 posts
Location: melbourne, victoria, australia
Pooh-Bah
2,084 posts
Location: melbourne, victoria, australia
Posted:
I hope people don't mind me starting a new thread even though I never really post anymore, but I've been thinking a lot about blood donation lately. I'm currently working in a chemotherapy unit, and a lot of our patients require blood transfusions from time to time. However, lately the blood bank has had such shortages that we've been having to knock people back because there simply isn't enough blood available. Being the end of winter here, stocks get low since many people who would otherwise be able to donate can't due to recent colds/flus.
In the past week we've had to tell 3 people that they 'aren't anaemic enough' for us to transfuse them, and we even had a delivery of blood that wasn't compatible with the patients blood group (he was O-, which is the most useful blood group as anyone can receive it therefore it's in high demand, and the blood he was given was O+, so it was positive for antigens that his body sees as foreign). When we rang the blood bank to see why this has happened and whether it would be safe to give, we were told that as he was over 70 and had cancer they were comfortable taking the risk of providing blood that wasn't ideal for him to be having, but should be okay. Needless to say we kept a very close eye on him, and luckily all went smoothly.
Okay, so the main reason for this post is to encourage people to check whether they are eligible to give blood, and if so to do something about it (in as friendly and non pushy a way as possible
) Here's a link to the blood bank's eligibility quiz. I'm based in Australia, so this prompt is intended for Australians, but it's pretty much needed worldwide.
It's amazing how many people aren't eligible to give blood, and so many different reasons, some being very controversial (I'm thinking male to male sexual contact in particular). In a discussion at work it turned out that out of the 5 of us chatting, I was the only one eligible.
Sorry for such a long post, for anyone who just skimmed it I'll just sum it up by saying go give blood cos they give you free biscuits and lollies
I hope people don't mind me starting a new thread even though I never really post anymore, but I've been thinking a lot about blood donation lately. I'm currently working in a chemotherapy unit, and a lot of our patients require blood transfusions from time to time. However, lately the blood bank has had such shortages that we've been having to knock people back because there simply isn't enough blood available. Being the end of winter here, stocks get low since many people who would otherwise be able to donate can't due to recent colds/flus.
In the past week we've had to tell 3 people that they 'aren't anaemic enough' for us to transfuse them, and we even had a delivery of blood that wasn't compatible with the patients blood group (he was O-, which is the most useful blood group as anyone can receive it therefore it's in high demand, and the blood he was given was O+, so it was positive for antigens that his body sees as foreign). When we rang the blood bank to see why this has happened and whether it would be safe to give, we were told that as he was over 70 and had cancer they were comfortable taking the risk of providing blood that wasn't ideal for him to be having, but should be okay. Needless to say we kept a very close eye on him, and luckily all went smoothly.
Okay, so the main reason for this post is to encourage people to check whether they are eligible to give blood, and if so to do something about it (in as friendly and non pushy a way as possible
) Here's a link to the blood bank's eligibility quiz. I'm based in Australia, so this prompt is intended for Australians, but it's pretty much needed worldwide. It's amazing how many people aren't eligible to give blood, and so many different reasons, some being very controversial (I'm thinking male to male sexual contact in particular). In a discussion at work it turned out that out of the 5 of us chatting, I was the only one eligible.
Sorry for such a long post, for anyone who just skimmed it I'll just sum it up by saying go give blood cos they give you free biscuits and lollies
BRONZE Member
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia
Posted:
Wonderful post! I totally agree that people need to donate blood more! However I'm a total hypocrite.
I donated for the first time a few years ago but after almost fainting (borderline underweight, borderline low blood pressure, female, first time donating...in hindsight was pretty stupid for me to donate, but I needed to know my blood type before I went overseas!)
I was too scared to again until last year, when it was all fine.
I'd like to donate more often but for a few reasons:
In Melbourne, I've been informed that there's a 2 week waiting list to be able to donate blood. Even though I didn't faint last time, it's still something I have to do then and there. I'll chicken out if I have to work myself up over 2 weeks.
Plus my lifestyle prevents me from being able to lack a pint of blood. As a cyclist and a bartender it would be dangerous for me to lack the blood.
Wonderful post! I totally agree that people need to donate blood more! However I'm a total hypocrite.
I donated for the first time a few years ago but after almost fainting (borderline underweight, borderline low blood pressure, female, first time donating...in hindsight was pretty stupid for me to donate, but I needed to know my blood type before I went overseas!)
I was too scared to again until last year, when it was all fine.
I'd like to donate more often but for a few reasons:
In Melbourne, I've been informed that there's a 2 week waiting list to be able to donate blood. Even though I didn't faint last time, it's still something I have to do then and there. I'll chicken out if I have to work myself up over 2 weeks.
Plus my lifestyle prevents me from being able to lack a pint of blood. As a cyclist and a bartender it would be dangerous for me to lack the blood.
i would have changed ***** to phallus, and claire to petey Petey
Rougie: but that's what I'm doing here
Arnwyn: what letting me adjust myself in your room?..don't you dare quote that on HoP...
GOLD Member
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posted:
nope. used to donate every 10 weeks - but they dont like me anymore. but thats a rant reserved for another time.
nope. used to donate every 10 weeks - but they dont like me anymore. but thats a rant reserved for another time.
"Here kitty kitty...." - Schroedinger.
GOLD Member
Lv15 Ranger
1,489 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Lv15 Ranger
1,489 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
I donate whenever I'm able to - meaning whenever I'm ready AND whenever I get the time. I try to get a full day or two after I donate because I feel tired for obvious reasons.
My own blood type is O+, and to my knowledge that's one of the more useful types to have to give. Out of my family of five, I'm the only one eligible - neither of my parents can due to illness, and my sisters can't because they're scared of needles and underage.
I donate whenever I'm able to - meaning whenever I'm ready AND whenever I get the time. I try to get a full day or two after I donate because I feel tired for obvious reasons.
My own blood type is O+, and to my knowledge that's one of the more useful types to have to give. Out of my family of five, I'm the only one eligible - neither of my parents can due to illness, and my sisters can't because they're scared of needles and underage.
Kupo!
SILVER Member
Elusive and Bearded
3,597 posts
Location: Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Elusive and Bearded
3,597 posts
Location: Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Posted:
I have.....foreign substances in my blood...
I have.....foreign substances in my blood...
O.B.E.S.E.
Owned by Mynci!
BRONZE Member
Macaque of all trades
8,738 posts
Location: wombling free..., United Kingdom
Macaque of all trades
8,738 posts
Location: wombling free..., United Kingdom
Posted:
Just been checking UK requirements. I can't give blood due to previous illness and neither can the following
men who have sex with men,
anybody who has slep with a prostitue (these include if you've used a condom)
anybody who has ever receieved blood since 1980.
anybody who has ever injected drugs even if only once with a clean needle.
and a large number of other provisos
seems like a lot of people I know can't give blood, probably why it's in such demand.
Just been checking UK requirements. I can't give blood due to previous illness and neither can the following
men who have sex with men,
anybody who has slep with a prostitue (these include if you've used a condom)
anybody who has ever receieved blood since 1980.
anybody who has ever injected drugs even if only once with a clean needle.
and a large number of other provisos
seems like a lot of people I know can't give blood, probably why it's in such demand.
A couple of balls short of a full cascade... or maybe a few cards short of a deck... we'll see how this all fans out.
BRONZE Member
Juggler/Spinner
612 posts
Location: Hicksville, New York, USA
Juggler/Spinner
612 posts
Location: Hicksville, New York, USA
Posted:
I never really understood the man-man rule.
Does that make someones blood dirtier?
Sure, AIDS and all of that, but isn't the blood tested first anyway? Secondly, you can get aids from male-female relations as well, so I don't see the problem.
Anyway, if you're safe, either way, it reduces, though doesn't eliminate chances of being infected with... something.
*shrug*
I never really understood the man-man rule.
Does that make someones blood dirtier?
Sure, AIDS and all of that, but isn't the blood tested first anyway? Secondly, you can get aids from male-female relations as well, so I don't see the problem.
Anyway, if you're safe, either way, it reduces, though doesn't eliminate chances of being infected with... something.
*shrug*
SILVER Member
there's no charge for awesomeness... or attractiveness
3,764 posts
Location: limbo, Australia
there's no charge for awesomeness... or attractiveness
3,764 posts
Location: limbo, Australia
Posted:
well, I'm eligible. but after the only time I ever gave blood, the nurse asked me (well, strongly suggested) that I never come back, cos I greened out some... *chuckle*
dunno... might be able to now. I've always been a bit queasy with needles, but my last couple blood tests went quite well, so maybe it's time to try again.
well, I'm eligible. but after the only time I ever gave blood, the nurse asked me (well, strongly suggested) that I never come back, cos I greened out some... *chuckle*
dunno... might be able to now. I've always been a bit queasy with needles, but my last couple blood tests went quite well, so maybe it's time to try again.
--pogo (pat) [forever and always]
PLATINUM Member
*Tickles pretty strangers*
610 posts
Location: Australia
*Tickles pretty strangers*
610 posts
Location: Australia
Posted:
I haven't been able to give blood either, I was in the UK during 1995/1996 and even tho I'm vegan they worry about BSE...
I haven't been able to give blood either, I was in the UK during 1995/1996 and even tho I'm vegan they worry about BSE...
What if I should fall right through the centre of the Earth and come out the other side where people walk upside-down?!
SILVER Member
Pasta of Muppets
2,722 posts
Location: in the interwebs..., United Kingdom
Pasta of Muppets
2,722 posts
Location: in the interwebs..., United Kingdom
Posted:
I give blood as regularly as I can, and I'm A negative.
A negative what, they still havent told me.
A negative entropy? They should have said "You're A Positive. A positively not funny person"
heheheh
But seriously, apparently my blood is good for jaundiced babies.
Thats all I can remember from my first donation, over 12 years ago... I rather like it. Free tea and biscuits
I give blood as regularly as I can, and I'm A negative.
A negative what, they still havent told me.
A negative entropy? They should have said "You're A Positive. A positively not funny person"
heheheh
But seriously, apparently my blood is good for jaundiced babies.
Thats all I can remember from my first donation, over 12 years ago... I rather like it. Free tea and biscuits
ohmygodlaserbeamspewpewpew!
GOLD Member
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
red cross doods told me to be positive.
i thought i was, but then again i can always use the extra prompting.
red cross doods told me to be positive.
i thought i was, but then again i can always use the extra prompting.
Laugh Often, Smile Much, Post lolcats Always
SILVER Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
4,172 posts
Location: Hastings, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
4,172 posts
Location: Hastings, United Kingdom
Posted:
No.
Past few years I've never been allowed as there was never more than a six month gap between my piercings/tattoos.
Nowadays the risk lies with the hidden nasties I may have picked up along my travels to present day.
Plus its full of drugs. Unless the receiving patient was on their last legs and wanted to go out with a bang I don't suggest they use my blood
No.
Past few years I've never been allowed as there was never more than a six month gap between my piercings/tattoos.
Nowadays the risk lies with the hidden nasties I may have picked up along my travels to present day.
Plus its full of drugs. Unless the receiving patient was on their last legs and wanted to go out with a bang I don't suggest they use my blood
SILVER Member
Unofficial Chairperson of Squirrel Defense League
4,061 posts
Location: South Africa
Unofficial Chairperson of Squirrel Defense League
4,061 posts
Location: South Africa
Posted:
I live in a malaria area. Which is not a problem there, but they get snotty about it here.
So, after donating about 20 times since I was allowed to, I am now not going to.
I live in a malaria area. Which is not a problem there, but they get snotty about it here.
So, after donating about 20 times since I was allowed to, I am now not going to.
'We're all mad here. I'm mad, you're mad." [said the Cat.]
"How do you know I'm mad?" said Alice.
"You must be," said the Cat, "Or you wouldn't have come here."
- Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland
SILVER Member
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia
Posted:
i'm past due. dont know when i'll go though, too much uni work then placement in an old peoples home monday-friday, i'm booked up for a month.
i like the free milkshakes
i'm past due. dont know when i'll go though, too much uni work then placement in an old peoples home monday-friday, i'm booked up for a month.
i like the free milkshakes
"but have you considered there is more to life than your eyelids?"
jointly owned by Fire_Spinning_Angel and Blu_Valley
BRONZE Member
had her carpal tunnel surgery already thanks v much
4,145 posts
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
had her carpal tunnel surgery already thanks v much
4,145 posts
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
Posted:
They don't want me either.
They don't want me either.
"vices are like genitals - most are ugly to behold, and yet we find that our own are dear to us."
(G.W. Dahlquist)
Owner of Dragosani's left half
SILVER Member
Rampant whirler.
2,418 posts
Location: Geelong, Victoria, Australia!
Rampant whirler.
2,418 posts
Location: Geelong, Victoria, Australia!
Posted:
My tattoos are too new. I used to donate and got an A+ for my effort.
(A positive blood type.
)
I wish they'd take my blood though... its good stuff, I promise!
My tattoos are too new. I used to donate and got an A+ for my effort.
(A positive blood type.
) I wish they'd take my blood though... its good stuff, I promise!
addict
489 posts
Location: Perth
489 posts
Location: Perth
Posted:
I donate regularly.
They can't take my platelets coz my veins are too small and I'm too little for it, but I donate all that they let me.
I donate regularly.
They can't take my platelets coz my veins are too small and I'm too little for it, but I donate all that they let me.
SILVER Member
Pasta of Muppets
2,722 posts
Location: in the interwebs..., United Kingdom
Pasta of Muppets
2,722 posts
Location: in the interwebs..., United Kingdom
Posted:
I'm also on the bone marrow transplant list...
I'm also on the bone marrow transplant list...
ohmygodlaserbeamspewpewpew!
GOLD Member
Now with extra strawberries
810 posts
Location: Canberra, Australia
Now with extra strawberries
810 posts
Location: Canberra, Australia
Posted:
Yup i give as often as they will let me. I love it, a great way to contribute and help people with out even having to spend any money. I have always been of the opinion that if you hold a license then you should be giving blood.
Quote:I never really understood the man-man rule.
I think that this rule is really out dated actually it is being questioned and hopefully removed soon i have heard. I think that it is a throw back to the 80's when not as much was known about HIV re detection and transmition and at the time HIV rates in the Gay community were much higher than the rest. At the time they were just ruling out those more at risk. But these days i think there is really no reason for that rule to exist. There are plenty of areas which are of higher risk.
Yup i give as often as they will let me. I love it, a great way to contribute and help people with out even having to spend any money. I have always been of the opinion that if you hold a license then you should be giving blood.
Quote:I never really understood the man-man rule.
I think that this rule is really out dated actually it is being questioned and hopefully removed soon i have heard. I think that it is a throw back to the 80's when not as much was known about HIV re detection and transmition and at the time HIV rates in the Gay community were much higher than the rest. At the time they were just ruling out those more at risk. But these days i think there is really no reason for that rule to exist. There are plenty of areas which are of higher risk.
I {Heart} hand me downs and spinning in the snow.<br /><br />
SILVER Member
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia
Posted:
Originally Posted By: ElectricBlue
Quote:I never really understood the man-man rule.
I think that this rule is really out dated actually it is being questioned and hopefully removed soon i have heard. I think that it is a throw back to the 80's when not as much was known about HIV re detection and transmition and at the time HIV rates in the Gay community were much higher than the rest. At the time they were just ruling out those more at risk. But these days i think there is really no reason for that rule to exist. There are plenty of areas which are of higher risk.
there was a court case about it down here recently, i think the gay guy won. that said i suppose it will still be a while before the policy is changed as it affects relates to many health services.
Originally Posted By: ElectricBlue
Quote:I never really understood the man-man rule.
I think that this rule is really out dated actually it is being questioned and hopefully removed soon i have heard. I think that it is a throw back to the 80's when not as much was known about HIV re detection and transmition and at the time HIV rates in the Gay community were much higher than the rest. At the time they were just ruling out those more at risk. But these days i think there is really no reason for that rule to exist. There are plenty of areas which are of higher risk.
there was a court case about it down here recently, i think the gay guy won. that said i suppose it will still be a while before the policy is changed as it affects relates to many health services.
"but have you considered there is more to life than your eyelids?"
jointly owned by Fire_Spinning_Angel and Blu_Valley
BRONZE Member
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia
Posted:
Was approached at uni today about donating and I said that with my sport it's too dangerous and the bloke said it was one of the best reasons he'd heard all day. The best was "I don't like people"
Was approached at uni today about donating and I said that with my sport it's too dangerous and the bloke said it was one of the best reasons he'd heard all day. The best was "I don't like people"
i would have changed ***** to phallus, and claire to petey Petey
Rougie: but that's what I'm doing here
Arnwyn: what letting me adjust myself in your room?..don't you dare quote that on HoP...
SILVER Member
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia
Posted:
Originally Posted By: rougeThe best was "I don't like people"
what, pray tell, is your sport?
Originally Posted By: rougeThe best was "I don't like people"
what, pray tell, is your sport?
"but have you considered there is more to life than your eyelids?"
jointly owned by Fire_Spinning_Angel and Blu_Valley
BRONZE Member
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia
Posted:
I cycle 35km a day. Usually followed by 7ish hours on my feet bartending.
I cycle 35km a day. Usually followed by 7ish hours on my feet bartending.
i would have changed ***** to phallus, and claire to petey Petey
Rougie: but that's what I'm doing here
Arnwyn: what letting me adjust myself in your room?..don't you dare quote that on HoP...
SILVER Member
Unofficial Chairperson of Squirrel Defense League
4,061 posts
Location: South Africa
Unofficial Chairperson of Squirrel Defense League
4,061 posts
Location: South Africa
Posted:
Ouch. Bloodloss before that may not be great.
I apparently need to not go home for 3 years before I can donate here. Since I am not prepared to do that yet, stuff it.
I am probably overly bitter about not being allowed to donate.
Ouch. Bloodloss before that may not be great.
I apparently need to not go home for 3 years before I can donate here. Since I am not prepared to do that yet, stuff it.
I am probably overly bitter about not being allowed to donate.
'We're all mad here. I'm mad, you're mad." [said the Cat.]
"How do you know I'm mad?" said Alice.
"You must be," said the Cat, "Or you wouldn't have come here."
- Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland
BRONZE Member
newbie
37 posts
Location: England (UK)
newbie
37 posts
Location: England (UK)
Posted:
They come to my work 3 or 4 times a year, and as I have no medical/lifestyle reason not to give and I'm basically being paid (by work) to have a lie down for an hour!
Someone once told me they didn't give blood because they needed all of their blood themselves, not exactly a compelling reason like Rouge's!
They come to my work 3 or 4 times a year, and as I have no medical/lifestyle reason not to give and I'm basically being paid (by work) to have a lie down for an hour!
Someone once told me they didn't give blood because they needed all of their blood themselves, not exactly a compelling reason like Rouge's!
GOLD Member
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales
Posted:
They don't want mine.I tried a few times to give it but each time they told me I should keep it.
They don't want mine.I tried a few times to give it but each time they told me I should keep it.
Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!
BRONZE Member
old hand
1,107 posts
Location: In a test pit, Mackay, Australia
old hand
1,107 posts
Location: In a test pit, Mackay, Australia
Posted:
Apparently I possibly have mad cow disease so they won't let me. You would have thought someone bleeding to death would get the option though; "Take a life saving transfusion from someone who lived in England for more than six months over ten years ago, but is otherwise fine, or die. Up to you..."
I've shown this thread to the other (uncontaminated) half who is now making noises about donating, so thanks for starting it
Apparently I possibly have mad cow disease so they won't let me. You would have thought someone bleeding to death would get the option though; "Take a life saving transfusion from someone who lived in England for more than six months over ten years ago, but is otherwise fine, or die. Up to you..."
I've shown this thread to the other (uncontaminated) half who is now making noises about donating, so thanks for starting it
There is a slight possibility that I am not actually right all of the time.
Internet Hate Machine
10,530 posts
Location: They seek him here, they seek him there...
10,530 posts
Location: They seek him here, they seek him there...
Posted:
Originally Posted By: EeraApparently I possibly have mad cow disease so they won't let me. You would have thought someone bleeding to death would get the option though; "Take a life saving transfusion from someone who lived in England for more than six months over ten years ago, but is otherwise fine, or die. Up to you..."
Whilst I guess that logic is pretty sound (I'm not eligble for that reason as well), I guess there's just a big risk factor involved of a failure or a very painful death. I can't imagine BSE being very nice for a healthy person, let alone someone in a critical condition.
That being said, us limeys are probably aight to donate in this country, surely? There's got to be loads of people around in that time period. Seeing as the test was for the aussies, who're strict on alien disease/pest control anyways, I think we'd be ok to donate to the british red cross... yes?
Originally Posted By: EeraApparently I possibly have mad cow disease so they won't let me. You would have thought someone bleeding to death would get the option though; "Take a life saving transfusion from someone who lived in England for more than six months over ten years ago, but is otherwise fine, or die. Up to you..."
Whilst I guess that logic is pretty sound (I'm not eligble for that reason as well), I guess there's just a big risk factor involved of a failure or a very painful death. I can't imagine BSE being very nice for a healthy person, let alone someone in a critical condition.
That being said, us limeys are probably aight to donate in this country, surely? There's got to be loads of people around in that time period. Seeing as the test was for the aussies, who're strict on alien disease/pest control anyways, I think we'd be ok to donate to the british red cross... yes?
The existance of flamethrowers says that someone, somewhere, at sometime said "I need to set that thing on fire, but it's too far away."
SILVER Member
Unofficial Chairperson of Squirrel Defense League
4,061 posts
Location: South Africa
Unofficial Chairperson of Squirrel Defense League
4,061 posts
Location: South Africa
Posted:
You would not be able to donate in South Africa either.
You would not be able to donate in South Africa either.
'We're all mad here. I'm mad, you're mad." [said the Cat.]
"How do you know I'm mad?" said Alice.
"You must be," said the Cat, "Or you wouldn't have come here."
- Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland
SILVER Member
enthusiast
271 posts
Location: Bradford *rolls eyes*, United Kingdom
enthusiast
271 posts
Location: Bradford *rolls eyes*, United Kingdom
Posted:
yeah, i live in the UK and have done since 1987, and still give blood. (thanks for this thread by the way, i need to go tomorrow). i Waited until i was 20, as when i was 17 and went for the first time they couldn't find a big/strong enough vein.
yeah, i live in the UK and have done since 1987, and still give blood. (thanks for this thread by the way, i need to go tomorrow). i Waited until i was 20, as when i was 17 and went for the first time they couldn't find a big/strong enough vein.
BRONZE Member
hello!
1,034 posts
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
hello!
1,034 posts
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Posted:
bastards, they "kicked me out" twice. Obviously I do everything wrong. Pffft.
bastards, they "kicked me out" twice. Obviously I do everything wrong. Pffft.
a swapped test-playboy, set free by NOn, idolizing the tea fairy; Dragosani spiritual freedom agreement reached 18th Sept 2006
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