Reply #2: Every pint of blood is tested

[glaucon]

BUT, no test is perfect. If the blood supply becomes critical, the deferral criteria are sometimes changed. But if the supply is sufficient under current regs, why take additional chances, even if it's only a microscopic chance?

The FDA sets blood donation deferral regulations.

What makes you think you have a RIGHT to donate blood? The point is to make the blood supply as safe as humanly possible. The person who has priority here is the the RECIPIENT, not the donor. The Red Cross and other blood banks are there for those in desperate need of SAFE blood, and NOT in order to provide an opportunity for you to feel good about yourself for having donated a pint of blood.