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what are the risks of donating blood? is it possible to get infected by the needle used to draw your blood? do they reuse those ?
because you never know who used it before you some people are not honest about their health history when donating blood, is there a possibility of catching any diseases by giving blood?
The short answer...no, there is no rational risk of getting infected by giving blood.
That said, it is conceivable that some scenerio could happen that would cause someone to become exposed to a blood borne illness but it is so remote of a possibility that it isn't really rational to consider it. As Mattie said, they know what they're doing.
what are the risks of donating blood? is it possible to get infected by the needle used to draw your blood? do they reuse those ?
because you never know who used it before you some people are not honest about their health history when donating blood, is there a possibility of catching any diseases by giving blood?
Any invasive procedure that breaks the protective layer of your skin provides an opportunity for infection. Although this is a rare occurence, I'm sure it has happened in the past and will doubtless happen again at some point in the future.
I would expect the odds are astronomical, however.
Exactly. My guess is you'd be thousands of times more likely to catch a cold in the Red Cross (or any) waiting room than to catch a disease from the needles they use.
The risks are extremely low and probably MUCH lower than having something happen from a blood draw at a doctors office. Unlike the quick alcohol swipe at the doctors office, they do a surgical level scrub of the arm. The needle is part of the collection set and can be used only once with that set. It is removed and destroyed after use. I dont think there is such a thing as a reusbale needle now for years.
The Red Cross is the biggest but they ALL follow the same rules and general processes-so if you get impatient at all the health history questions, realize that most are mandated by the FDA and the American Association of Blood Banks. All intended to ensure a safe blood supply in addittion to the extensive testing for infectious diseases each unit of blood is subjected to.
There is still no safe and effective substitute for human blood, despite many efforts to develop one. You really are saving lives when you do this. Type O negative or AB+ makes you even more needed (though all types donate) and other types who don't take aspirin daily can give platelets.
Here is a good page ........ check on the first time donors link and do make sure you hydrate and don't go in on an empty stomach. Double check the list of exclusions to make sure you dont waste time only to find you cannot donate. Learn About Blood | American Red Cross
And this page has a lot of good blood facts Blood Facts and Statistics | American Red Cross
Last edited by grannynancy; 11-25-2010 at 04:19 AM..
The one credible danger I've heard is the rare situation where a nerve gets damaged either from the stick or a bleeder. Some people suggest using the butterfly type of draw from the back of the hand for those concerned.
The one credible danger I've heard is the rare situation where a nerve gets damaged either from the stick or a bleeder. Some people suggest using the butterfly type of draw from the back of the hand for those concerned.
Can they actually DO that? The needle (for the arm, not the butterfly) is rather large and if you take too long (I think over 10 minutes) they cannot use the blood. Butterflies in the hand are awful small and it is so easy and painfree to go into the large vein at the elbow.
What is more common is a hematoma if you don't get a great phlebotomist. If you ever have a bad experience you should complain as the blood donation centers want it to be as positive as possible so you will come back.
Last edited by grannynancy; 11-25-2010 at 12:18 PM..
The one credible danger I've heard is the rare situation where a nerve gets damaged either from the stick or a bleeder. Some people suggest using the butterfly type of draw from the back of the hand for those concerned.
A butterfly can't be used in the back of the hand for blood donation, too small gauge of a needle...typically a 16 gauge needle is used, way too big of a bore for the back of the hand.
Antecubital fossa is the location for drawing blood for donation.
Nerve injury during venipuncture is too rare to even contemplate, particularly since it is almost transient.
The original question posed by the OP has been answered.
It is NOT possible to be infected during a blood donation.
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