"I've flexed before about having the world's best blood type: O-negative. For some reason, all niceties around boasting vanish in the face of this natural-born superiority. If the first-responder rubber bracelet they sent me matched any of my clothes (how could it? It's the colour of blood), I would definitely wear it everywhere I go. Last week, though, for the third time, I got turned away from donating because my iron wasn't high enough."
"It was low only by a margin, and this is normally acknowledged as just natural human variation, but they operate quite a strict three-strikes rule, and now I can't even present my (also pretty superior) veins again for a full two years. The nurse shook her head. It's such a shame, what with you being Right? O-negative! How many people could you say that about? Well, a fair amount, she said, probably everyone else in here; you're the ones we're always calling."
I have O-negative blood and take pride in its perceived value, even considering wearing a first-responder bracelet. I was turned away from donating blood for the third time because my iron levels were slightly low. The donation center enforces a strict three-strikes policy, resulting in a two-year deferral despite marginal variation. Staff noted that many regular donors are O-negative and that my type is often in demand. The nurse questioned my sleep and diet; I sleep about five hours and eat many crisps alongside vegetables. I do not view my blood as a civic trust, but as a personal asset.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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