Do they test for herpes when you donate blood? The short answer is no— they don’t test for herpes simplex viruses in blood donations. You might be surprised considering how common the virus is. But there’s a reason for that and it’s all about blood safety. Here’s why herpes isn’t part of the screening and what conditions allow you to donate blood with herpes.
Key Takeaways
- Blood donations are not tested for herpes simplex viruses; you can donate if you have a dormant infection and are asymptomatic.
- STDs like HIV and hepatitis are prioritized in screening because they pose a high transmission risk; genital herpes is excluded because of low transmission risk.
- Honesty in health disclosures is key to blood supply safety; asymptomatic individuals with herpes can donate under certain conditions.
Blood Donation Screening Procedures
Before you donate blood, a series of tests are done to ensure your safety and the recipient’s safety. It starts with providing identification such as a driver’s license or passport to verify your identity. This links your donation to your medical history and allows tracing.
Then you will provide detailed health information including the medications you’re taking and answer health-related questions. This initial assessment will identify potential risks that can affect the quality of the blood collected.
Physical exams including taking your temperature, blood pressure, and pulse will also be done. These steps will ensure you are healthy and can donate blood safely. The actual blood donation will take about 10 minutes; the entire process including screening and testing will take around 1 hour.
Accurate health disclosures from donors are key to blood supply safety. Honesty about your health behavior and history is important as noncompliance can compromise blood supply safety. Donated blood is always tested for blood type and infectious diseases before use and if it fails the test it will be discarded.
Testing for Herpes Simplex Viruses in Blood Donations
A common question is do blood donations test for herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2). The short answer is no; they don’t test for herpes simplex viruses. You might be surprised considering how common the virus is.
But there’s a reason for that. Donors with herpes simplex viruses are generally allowed to donate blood if they are asymptomatic. As long as there are no active lesions or infections, individuals with herpes can donate blood.
Donation policies allow donations if the virus is dormant and not causing symptoms. So symptom-free donors with herpes can still donate blood. This way we have a safe blood supply and a bigger pool of donors.
Herpes is not a disqualifying factor but an active infection is. Ensuring donors are symptom-free is key to blood supply safety.
Why Certain STDs Are Screened in Blood Donations
Blood donation screening prioritizes certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other STIs that can be transmitted through blood. This includes HIV and hepatitis which can be transmitted through blood transfusions and can be life threatening to the recipient.
Genital herpes is not included in blood screening because it’s not transmitted through blood and often goes undiagnosed because of lack of symptoms. This is the reason for the screening priorities and processes.
Screening for a specific sexually transmitted disease is based on their prevalence in the population and the health risks of transmission through blood products. By focusing on high risk infections blood donation services ensures a safer blood supply for those who need it.
Other Infectious Diseases Tested in Blood Donations
Blood donations are screened for various infectious agents to ensure recipient safety. This includes testing for Hepatitis B and C, HIV, West Nile virus, Zika virus and syphilis. These are life threatening diseases and can be transmitted through blood transfusions.
Blood donations are also tested for Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) types I and II. This virus is serious and is included in the screening. Testing for Trypanosoma cruzi which causes Chagas disease is also done in blood donation screening.
Importance of Honesty in Health Disclosures
Honesty in health disclosures is key to blood supply integrity. Accurate health information from donors ensures safety by preventing infections from being transmitted. Even minor health concerns should be disclosed to ensure highest safety standards.
Individuals with herpes can donate blood as long as they are not symptomatic and have not had an outbreak. If a donor has herpes but is asymptomatic they can still donate blood as long as certain conditions are met. This honesty ensures the blood collected is safe for recipients.
Accurate health information from blood donors is the foundation of a safe and reliable blood supply, for both donors and recipients.
What Happens If You Test Positive During Blood Donation?
If a donor tests positive for a bacterial infection the blood unit is not used and the donor is informed of the result. This ensures the blood supply is safe and the donor knows his/her status.
In case of positive result, counseling is often given to the donor about his/her status and next steps. This helps the donor to understand his/her condition and seek medical care, including hiv treatment.
Donors who test positive for certain infections may be advised to seek medical care for their condition. This proactive approach ensures the donor gets the necessary care and the blood supply is not compromised.
How Donated Blood Is Processed and Used
Donors get a free health assessment which includes blood pressure, hemoglobin and pulse. These vital signs are recorded in the donor’s online profile for tracking health information over time.
After collection, blood is chilled on ice and sent to a processing center. There, blood is separated into its components – red blood cells, plasma and platelets – through centrifugation. Red blood cells are stored in refrigerated conditions for up to 42 days, platelets are stored at room temperature for up to 5 days with continuous agitation to preserve their function. Plasma can be frozen and stored for up to 1 year.
Blood units are available 24/7 to hospitals especially during emergencies. Physicians determine patients’ need for blood transfusion based on their medical condition. This ensures the blood collected is used wisely and efficiently to save lives
Summary
In summary, knowing the blood donation screening process and the impact of herpes on eligibility is key to a safe and reliable blood supply. Herpes is not tested for but individuals with the virus can donate blood as long as they are symptom free and follow the guidelines.
The testing of various infectious diseases and honesty in health disclosure ensures blood transfusion safety. By following these rules more people can help save lives through blood donation.
FAQs
Can I donate blood if I have herpes?
You can donate if you have herpes as long as you are not currently symptomatic or have an active outbreak. Make sure you are healthy before donating.
Why isn’t oral and genital herpes tested for in blood donations?
Herpes is not tested for in blood donations because it doesn’t transmit through blood and often remains asymptomatic in individuals. So the risk of transmission through blood is low.
What happens if I test positive for an infection during blood donation?
If you test positive during blood donation your blood will be discarded and you will be informed and given counseling and medical advice.
Are there other STDs tested during blood donation?
Yes, blood donations are tested for several STDs including HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. This screening ensures the blood supply is safe.
What should I disclose during the health screening process?
Disclose all health information – medical conditions, medications, exposure to infectious diseases. Accuracy matters.
Sources:
WebMD: What to Know About Donating Blood if You Have an STD
American Red Cross: Infectious Disease, HLA and ABO Donor Qualification Testing