what do they check for when you donate blood

Blood donation centers have a screening process that requires you to disclose any preexisting health conditions. It’s also a time where a certified Red Cross professional will evaluate you and measure your basic vital statistics, such as your temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.

Full Answer

What conditions disqualify you from donating blood?

At each donation, the following mandatory tests are performed: Hepatitis B – HBsAg Human immunodeficiency virus – anti-HIV 1 and 2 and HIV NAT (nucleic acid testing) Hepatitis C – anti-HCV and HCV NAT Human T-cell lymphotropic virus – anti-HTLV I …

What are the reasons why a person cannot donate blood?

Jan 25, 2021 · After donation, the blood is tested for several infectious agents. All tests must be negative before the blood is suitable for transfusion. In …

What makes you ineligible to give blood?

Blood testing - After donation, the Blood is tested for such blood-borne agents as HIV, hepatitis and syphilis. (see details below) Free Cord Blood Registry and Cord Blood Bank. Blood Donor lists - Blood collection establishments must keep current a list of deferred Blood donors and check Blood donor names against that list.

What are good foods to eat before donating plasma?

Also, previous donation records and lists of ineligible donors are checked. Lab tests are done to look for blood that might transmit diseases (described in Getting a Blood Transfusion ). People are not allowed to donate blood if their lab tests or questionnaires show that they may be at high risk for certain diseases.

See more

AdBlood Donations Needed. Schedule An Appointment This Week. 1 Blood Donation Can Help Save Up To 3 Lives. Find A Blood Drive Near You Today

Why do people donate blood?

There are also potential benefits for people who regularly donate blood: Lower iron levels in blood. This is a plus if your iron levels are too high. Donating blood removes some red blood cells, which carry iron throughout your body. Better cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

How long does it take to donate blood?

Donation. Refreshments. While the whole process, from the time you get to the facility to the time you leave, can take about an hour, the actual donation itself may take as little as 8-10 minutes.

How long after blood donation can you drink?

There aren’t any lasting side effects, but you may temporarily: Need to hydrate. Drink more non-alcoholic beverages for 24-48 hours after you donate blood.

Can you donate blood to a tattoo?

Tattoos, in most states, aren’t a barrier to giving blood, provided that the tattoo artist followed good safety practices (like using sterile needles and not reusing ink). A few states may require a waiting period between when you get a tattoo and when you donate blood, but in general, it’s not an issue. 3. Donation.

Where do blood donations come from?

Most blood donations come as units of whole blood from volunteers who have no connection to the person who will get the blood. Once donated, the units are usually separated into components.

What to do before giving blood?

Before giving blood, get a good night’s sleep, eat a well-balanced meal, and drink extra fluids that are non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated. Many donor centers ask that you bring in a list of all the medicines you’re taking and your donor card, driver’s license, or 2 forms of other identification.

What is the AABB?

The AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks) also publishes guidelines for safe transfusions, which its members must follow. In the United States, all blood centers follow careful procedures to keep the blood supply safe.

How old do you have to be to donate blood?

Although guidelines can vary slightly by state and facility, for the most part donors must: Be healthy. Be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent) Weigh at least 110 pounds.

Where is blood collected?

Blood is usually donated at special collection centers. Some centers use vans (often called bloodmobiles) that travel to different areas to collect blood. Some larger hospitals have their own centers to collect and process donated blood. After blood is tested for safety and processed into components, it’s stored in blood banks until needed.

How long does it take to donate apheresis?

Apheresis donation (described in the next section) may take 2 hours or longer. Once your blood is taken, you’ll be asked to stay for a short time to make sure you’re feeling well. You’ll be given something to drink (such as fruit juice) and a light snack before leaving.

Can blood be used for transfusion?

Blood from paid donors cannot be used in the United States for transfusion purposes. Plasma is the only component for which donors are sometimes paid, and it’s taken by the apheresis method. Plasma can be treated for safety in ways that blood cells cannot.