Ken Dyson 12-21-03

I would like to find out if anyone else has any experience similar to my own. I am a former blood donor with a total of 6 gallons and two pints donated. The last time I attempted to donate blood I found out that I have some unknown type of blood disorder that gives a false positive reading on the HIV screening test used by the Red Cross on all of it's blood donations. The date of the last donation when I last donated acceptable blood was in June of 1990. In December of 1990 I was sent to Saudi Arabia with my military unit (Navy Seabee) as part of Desert Shield/Storm and returned in late May of 1991. In July of 1992 I was informed that my blood was for some reason unacceptable for donation. I later attempted to donate again in 1995 and received a letter from the regional Red Cross office saying that my blood gave a false positive test for HIV antibodies and would no longer be acceptable for donations. When I called their office requesting further information, they told me they really didn't have anything they could tell me but suggested I be tested for HIV. I followed their advice and the result was negative for HIV antibodies.

I have also come across some recent information where there were claims that Squalene was used in vaccines administered to troops during Desert Shield/Storm and that it has caused one or more types of auto-immune disease.

So.... The question I have is would any Squalene or residual Squalene antibodies cause a false positive result on a screening test for HIV like those used by the Red Cross on all blood donations? What specifically can be done to identify what would cause such a blood test result? What might the cost of such testing be?

I have asked my local VA Health Care Provider for such tests, but was told they would not do it. So it seems any testing may have to come out of my own pocket if I want any answers.

 
I noticed your comment to Frontline on this topic.

This is very interesting; I believe the primary damage to Gulf War Vets is from a chemical called 2-butoxyethanol or another name is ethylene glycol monobutyl ether. There is very specific blood damage that it does (which is the source of your fatigue) Check the retic ratio, for one thing, and have a lab tech comment on the red blood cells (looking for hemolytic anemia)

Did they say why they wouldn't take your blood? ... what was the matter?

This is the same chemical that was used in the Exxon Valdez oil spill cleanup: Both Inipol EAP 22 and the experimental Corexit; both of these were developed especially for the spill and Exxon owned them both. It is also in paint; varnishes; dry cleaning; degreasers and cleaners of all kinds. It is very harmful (wear goggles and chemical retardant gloves) and be sure you have ventilation equivalent to outdoors.

There has been some information gathered on the health of Exxon Valdez oil spill cleanup workers and this chemical; see what you can find on the internet.

For troops in 90-91 and even now; they are not using the proper protection in repetitive use of gun cleaning; there is some exposure in jet fuel, possibly and in the pesticide sprayed in general living and working areas; plus whatever is known by the Dept of Defense. Believe me, they have no idea that something they think is safe could very likely be the cause of gulf war syndrome

Dear Maggie

1-20-04