when you donate blood what do they test your blood for

by Dr. Aracely Monahan 7 min read

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.

After you have donated, your blood will be tested for syphilis, HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), hepatitis, and HTLV (human T-lymphotropic virus), which can cause a blood or nerve disease.

Full Answer

What conditions disqualify you from donating blood?

At each donation, the following mandatory tests are performed: Syphilis – syphilis antibodies. Some donations are tested for cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibodies to provide CMV negative blood for patients with certain types of impaired immunity ( see Chapter 5 ).

What are some reasons to not donate blood?

What do they test your blood for when you donate? If the donor is eligible to donate, the donated blood is tested for blood type (ABO group) and Rh type (positive or negative). This is to make sure that patients receive blood that matches their blood type. What medical conditions stop you from donating blood? 7.

What are the reasons to not give 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 are the reasons why a person cannot donate 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.

image

How many pints of blood are collected for a whole blood donation?

For a whole blood donation, about 1 pint of blood is collected; several small test tubes of blood are also collected for testing. Your donation, test tubes and your donor record are labeled with an identical bar code label. Your donation is kept on ice before being taken to a Red Cross center for processing; the test tubes go to the lab.

What are blood transfusions?

Blood transfusions are given to patients in a wide range of circumstances, including serious injuries (such as in a car crash) surgeries, child birth, anemia, blood disorders, cancer treatments, and many others. See How Blood Donations Help.

Why are platelets and red cells removed?

Red cells and platelets are leuko-reduced, which means your white cells are removed in order to reduce the possibility of the recipient having a reaction to the transfusion. Each component is packaged as a “unit,” a standardized amount that doctors will use when transfusing a patient.

How does blood journey help?

Your blood journeys through many steps and tests that ensure our blood supply is as safe as possible and helps as many people as possible .

How long are red cells stored?

When test results are received, units suitable for transfusion are labeled and stored. Red cells are stored in refrigerators at 6ºC for up to 42 days. Platelets are stored at room temperature in agitators for up to five days. Plasma and cryo are frozen and stored in freezers for up to one year.

What is blood donation screening?

Blood Donor Screening. FDA has progressively strengthened the overlapping safeguards that protect patients from unsuitable blood and blood products. Blood donors are asked specific questions about risk factors that could affect the safety of the donation and are deferred from donation if risk factors are acknowledged.

How often does the FDA inspect blood?

The agency inspects all blood facilities at least every two years, and "problem" facilities are inspected more often.

Why is the FDA required to keep a list of unsuitable donors?

FDA also requires blood centers to maintain lists of unsuitable donors to prevent further donations from these individuals. After donation, the blood is tested for several infectious agents. All tests must be negative before the blood is suitable for transfusion. In addition to these safeguards, FDA has significantly increased its oversight ...

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.

What to tell someone at blood bank before appointment?

Your local blood bank may have more requirements, so check with them. When you call, tell the person on the phone if you have health concerns or problems or if you’ve recently traveled outside the country. In the weeks before your appointment, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a healthy amount of iron from food.

Is tattooing a barrier to blood?

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).

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.

Why do we need extra blood tests?

We may need to carry out additional tests depending on the donor’s individual circumstances, in particular with reference to travel or skin piercing. Extra tests are also done to provide specifically tested blood for particular types of patient. Malaria is caused by parasites which are transmitted by the bites of mosquitoes.

What is a combination test for a virus?

We perform two tests for the virus; one is a combination test that looks for both a protein in the virus coat and antibody to the virus; and a second that looks for the virus itself, targeting the virus nucleic acid. If either or both of the tests are reactive, further tests are done to confirm the result.

What is the name of the virus that infects white cells?

Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV); a virus which infects white cells called T-lymphocytes. Like HIV, the HTLV virus remains in the body once an individual is infected, even though antibodies develop. Most people who are infected with the virus are perfectly well and never have any illness.

What does it mean when you have a positive CMV test?

We may test for antibodies against the virus. A positive test indicates that the individual has had CMV infection and may still have the virus. Having antibodies to CMV is of no significance to the health of the donor.

What is the cause of liver damage?

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)is one of several viruses that can cause inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), and sometimes liver damage. Hepatitis B is very common in many parts of the world where it is often transmitted from mother to child at birth or in infancy.

What is the second test for HIV?

We perform two tests for the virus, one that looks for antibody to the virus, and a second that looks for the virus itself, targeting the virus nucleic acid. If either or both of the tests are reactive, further tests are done to confirm the result. Like HIV, the antibodies produced do not protect against the virus.

What is the cause of syphilis?

Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. This family of bacteria can also cause tropical diseases called Yaws and Pinta. Syphilis is usually a sexually transmitted infection which, if untreated, can cause serious disease. Yaws and Pinta cause skin and joint problems.

Can I Give Blood, Even Though I Have Diabetes?

I am 42 years old, and I have diabetes. Can I donate blood or become an organ donor? — Annette, New Jersey How wonderful it is that you are thinking about donating blood or an organ. It is a constant struggle for the blood banks and transplant centers to maintain an adequate supply.

Can Diabetic People Donate Blood?

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration does not have any regulatory restrictions against diabetics donating blood other than if the individual has received bovine source insulin since 1980. The concern here is not the diabetes but rather the bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

Can I Donate Blood If I Have Diabetes?

Donating blood is a selfless way to help others. Blood donations help people who need transfusions for many types of medical conditions, and you may decide to donate blood for a variety of reasons. A pint of donated blood may help up to three people.

Common Myths About Blood Donations..

What's holding you back from giving life to your community? Each day, hundreds of people roll up their sleeve to give their incredible and lifesaving gift to area hospital patients. One of the things that keeps many from donating blood is a misunderstanding about their eligibility.

Fasting Before A Blood Test: What You Need To Know

By Lana Burgess Fasting before a blood test is when people are asked not to eat or drink anything other than water before some blood tests. But which blood tests require fasting and how can people fast safely? Fasting is not always necessary before a blood test, but when it is, it is only for a short time.

Whole Blood Donation Affects The Interpretation Of Hemoglobin A1c

Whole Blood Donation Affects the Interpretation of Hemoglobin A1c 2Department of Clinical Chemistry, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, the Netherlands 3European Reference Laboratory for Glycohemoglobin, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, the Netherlands 4Department Donor Studies, Sanquin, Amsterdam, the Netherlands 5Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands 7Department of Internal Medicine, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, the Netherlands 8Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands 2Department of Clinical Chemistry, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, the Netherlands 3European Reference Laboratory for Glycohemoglobin, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, the Netherlands 1Sanquin Blood Bank Division, Zwolle, the Netherlands 2Department of Clinical Chemistry, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, the Netherlands 3European Reference Laboratory for Glycohemoglobin, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, the Netherlands 4Department Donor Studies, Sanquin, Amsterdam, the Netherlands 5Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands 6Department Medical Donor Affairs, Sanquin Blood Bank Division, Amsterdam, the Netherlands 7Department of Internal Medicine, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, the Netherlands 8Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands Baylor College of Medicine, UNITED STATES Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Can I Still Donate Blood If I Have Diabetes?

20 Books People with Diabetes Should Read Your diabetes should be under controlled before you donate blood To donate blood with diabetes, your blood sugar needs to be in your target range . Your A1C should be less than 7%, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association.

What happens when you donate blood?

when you donate blood.. towards the end they fill 3 tubes of your blood those tubes were sent for test... and you were giving a chance at the end of the donating to put a sticker (bar code) one has the code say you can use the blood while the other say you can't. they send the blood for tests and those blood that tested with STD or other stuff were destroyed by burning them or something like that. ( I used to volunteer at Red Cross) they told me they burned all the infected blood. I hate volunteering on that day.. because the whole bulding smells:disgust:

What do they do if you have an STD?

If you are found to have an STD, they make you wear a giant sign with the name of the STD that you have until the the blood drive is over. They even provide vegetables for the "clean" people to throw at you. Actually, they do test for AIDS/Hepetitus (not sure what else) but it's after the blood is collected.

image