testing blood

[agardner09]

can anyone tell me what tests are carried out before you donate blood to the transfusion service.

[bednobs]

as far as i know, they do a finger prick to test you Hb. They do a screening questionnaire about "risky" behaviour so for example if you've ever recieved blood products before, ever had sex with a man who's had sex with men, ever been a prostitute, or slept with epople from certian countries. I also think they ask about tattoos and piercings. I think that's about all the screening they do before you donate

[ethandron]

this might help:
https://secure.blood.co.uk/c11_cant.asp

[4getmenot]

they test the blood that goes off too. But DO NOT ever use the blood donating service as a test for any of the diseases covered, Hep or aids as some blood can still get through tests even if infected.

[lotsafun]

i was shocked to find out that when my friend went to donate blood recently she was turned down because she was suffering with hayfever that day. I know i get turned away because im aneamic.

[yelenots]

My son went to give blood and was told he couldnt because he'd just had a tattoo.

[4getmenot]

yer you have to wait 6 months after having tatoo, it used to be a year. I dont agree with gays not being allowed to give blood.

[karenmac60]

You also can't donate if you've had a transfusion since 1980 because of the (very small) risk of having vCJD. I don't agree with this one either - I didn't eat meat for nearly 20 years so was probably at a much lower risk than someone who ate burgers every day, but because I had a transfusion after my daughter was born I'm barred from donating.

[agardner09]

Thanks all for your answers, most helpful.

[k8bailey]

Karen I agree with you! I had heart surgery in the 80s, so needed blood - just wish I could give some back now.

[sara3]

once you've donated they fill a couple of test tubes for testing before the needle comes out.

[sara3]

don't let anything put you off going (unless you know you won't be able to donate).. it's so important. something I'm very passionate about!

you'll feel great about doing something so good :o)