So apparently I have CMV negative blood...

**AbbyandMolly** · 11-12-2009, 06:57 PM

...and this means that I'm one of those special people that they call when certain kinds of blood are in need! I'm donating on Monday afternoon.

I still haven't figured out exactly what CMV negative means, but they need my blood mainly to use in premature babies, organ transplant patients, and people with auto-immune deficiencies.

Go figure!

**Wendy B.** · 11-12-2009, 07:34 PM

Good for you-think of all the peple you'll be helping

**Seamus Lab** · 11-12-2009, 07:47 PM

That's awesome, Stacey. I've never heard of that blood type either.

A friend of mine has a very rare blood type and he's called to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia every month or so because something that is in his blood is taken for infants. Now I wonder if it's the same as you.

**YellowJakesMom** · 11-12-2009, 07:50 PM

great work

**kiddsmom** · 11-12-2009, 08:00 PM

CMV = cytomegalovirus.

**AbbyandMolly** · 11-12-2009, 08:14 PM

Thanks Betsy!

I googled it, but I still don't fully understand what it means to the virus or not have.

**HersheyK's Dad** · 11-12-2009, 08:17 PM

O- here. I can give to anyone, receive from few. Every 3 months I get called to let me know that I can give again and would I like to come in. I have a standard response.

'Call when someone needs it NOW! I will be ready.'

It generally take 2-3 weeks before I get the call. All hours of the day or night. I don't mind doing it. Builds up my credits at the bloodbank should I ever need it, and I hope that day never comes.

**Sams Mom** · 11-12-2009, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by kiddsmom

CMV = cytomegalovirus.

It's a common virus among children. Most people have had it in the developing world, but not as many have had it here. I think it's about 60% of people here have had it. It's not particularly dangerous unless you're pregnant or very young (less than a year).

I'm CMV negative as well or I was last pregnancy. CMV is a TORCH infection. This means it can cause harm to developing fetuses and very young babies.

I don't know why unless it's wanted to tranfuse pregnant women or NICU babies. That'd be my only guess. Maybe being CMV positive means they can't tell if you're actively infected or not and don't want to risk infecting vulnerable patients.

I'd actually rather be CMV positive because it's less of a worry while pregnant.

Try googling TORCH infections.

**Sams Mom** · 11-12-2009, 08:54 PM

http://www.healthopedia.com/torch-infections/

Wait, I change part of my response. The problem with most TORCH infections occurs when the mother is infected for the first time. Therefore maybe there is something with the new antibodies or antibody generation that harms the fetus.(If the mother has been infected before, she already has antibodies circulating relating to these diseases.)

I guess that your blood is for NICU babies and pregnant women as doctors probably don't want to risk an adverse reaction.

**Thunders Mom** · 11-13-2009, 09:29 AM

Originally Posted by HersheyK's Dad

O- here. I can give to anyone, receive from few. Every 3 months I get called to let me know that I can give again and would I like to come in. I have a standard response.

'Call when someone needs it NOW! I will be ready.'

It generally take 2-3 weeks before I get the call. All hours of the day or night. I don't mind doing it. Builds up my credits at the bloodbank should I ever need it, and I hope that day never comes.

Me too!