If you’ve given blood before, you know that you’ve just given a life-saving resource to people in need. However, there is a lot that happens between a donation and the time of the transfusion. At the time of your donation, the phlebotomist draws several tubes of blood before collecting the actual transfusion product. When your donation is completed, the blood in the tubes is what the laboratory uses later, for testing the blood. Once at the laboratory, the blood undergoes numerous tests to determine if it is safe for transfusion before it can be utilized by a community hospital partner for patients.
ABO Blood Grouping
This test establishes your blood type and helps to determine what blood types you can receive, if needed, in the future; and most immediately, which patients can receive your blood.
Rh Typing
Similar to ABO testing, the Rh test indicates whether your blood type is positive or negative; further narrowing the options of patients who can safely receive your donation.
Red Cell Antibody Screen
This screening looks for unexpected antibodies on the red cells that could be caused from past transfusions, pregnancy, and other factors. Knowing which antibodies are present contributes to the decision-making about matching blood for patients.
Infectious Disease Testing
The primary diseases for which the blood is tested every time you donate are:
- Hepatitis B and C
- HIV – the virus that causes AIDS
- HTLV types I and II (viruses linked to a form of leukemia and inflammation of the spinal cord)
- West Nile virus – transmitted through mosquito bites
- Syphilis – a sexually transmitted disease
- Each donor is tested one time for Chagas disease which is transmitted through a bug that is referred to as “the kissing bug.”
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is not a mandatory or regulated screening or test. Rather, Carter BloodCare offers this to its donors as a way to stay on top of health and cardiovascular risks.
How often are new tests added?
In order to keep each patient safe, the blood industry and multiple regulatory agencies are constantly looking at new health risks and disease that could affect the safety of the blood collected for transfusion. If the need arises to add another test, it is incorporated after much consideration by the regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What happens if someone tests positive?
Depending on the type of positive test result, a donor may be temporarily or indefinitely deferred. Units with positive infectious disease markers are discarded. A donor will be notified of any significant abnormal test results. At that time, we are able to help the donor understand the test result and subsequent deferral, if any. All test results are confidential on a strict, need-to-know basis, including the required notification to the health department of certain positive test results.
If you have questions about testing, please call Donor Notification at 1-888-480-8200 or check out our FAQs.
Glad to know what tests are being performed; probably need to add zika soon to the battery of tests!
Hi David, you were right! We began testing donor’s blood for Zika in September, and, to date, there are no confirmed positive test results.
If about 9 years ago my boyfriend had donated blood and the donation center where he gave blood had called to speak with him but he wasn’t available at the time, and he never did call them back, what could that mean? Did he maybe test positive for something? If so, beings it’s 9 years later how could he find out?
He would have been given notice if he had tested positive. Very likely they were trying to schedule his next appointment.
If I’m taking pain meds for a fall that I had, can I still donate?
Hi Brock! Most medications are acceptable for donation, but please visit our Eligibility page for a list of ones that will not permit you to donate.
Do you test psa when giving blood
Hi Monty, please call our Donor Notification Department at 817-412-5830 if you have questions on the screening. Thanks!
im glad they do a full check up in the blood before its using in a transfucion
Absolutely! We always ensure all donated blood is safe for transfusion before it’s utilized by our hospital partners for patients in need.
I need a clarification that if we want to donate the blood to a person they will check our blood and they will confirm whether the person can donate the blood or not my doubt is in this blood test they will test the HIV TEST I need this clarification y Iam asking means I’m getting married in 6 months I don’t want to cheat a woman without testing HIV TEST if they test in this blood test
The tests we run on the blood does test for HIV. You cannot donate blood if you are HIV positive.
Is it true that I can’t donate because I lived in England from 2000-2002?
You can check eligibility here: http://www.carterbloodcare.org/eligibility/
Do you also test for herpes.
That is not part of our screening process.
How far back does contacting the donor go if Hep C is present? My mom gave blood back in 2003, but was recently diagnosed with Hep C. Just trying to figure out some sort of timeline on when she contracted it.
We do test for Hep C. You can find a list of the tests we run on all donations here: http://www.carterbloodcare.org/you-can-help/donor-guideline-faqs/
Are the donors received of their testing blood results after donation
Brian – I’m not sure what you’re asking. Can you please clarify?
I think he means, If a donor tests positive for any diseases after donation do you alert the donor to receive medical treatment?
If there a positive test on a unit, the donor is contacted by a member of our donor notifications department or one of our medical doctors.
Thanks for the great information! Blood is perhaps the most important window through which we can peer into a person’s health or illness.
That’s a unique way of saying it! Quite true.
I donated 3 times before my test results came back how is that? My results came back positive for hep C why did they let me donate 3 times
Were your previous donations with Carter BloodCare? We test for Hep C every time we accept a donation.
R
I was turned away from giving blood 15 yrs ago due to a false positive screening. Since then have been tested to make sure it was definitely a false positive. Can I try to give blood again now?
You can check your eligibility here: http://www.carterbloodcare.org/eligibility/
If your question isn’t answered, there’s a number at the bottom you can call.
Hi! If tested positive for pregnancy, will I be notified?
We do not test for pregnancy.
Hi.. I recently gave blood as well as years ago and both times my ONeg donations were rejected by the screening despite ticking all the boxes for donations. I’m healthy,not on meďs, non smoker, no alcohol, no past illnesses, 1 partner since always…i just don’t understand.. No health issues have been detected in bloods..no infections.. it just wouldn’t pass the screening tests once again. I’m so disappointed and worried… could u explain why this can happen?!
We can’t access your records here, but you’re welcome to call a Donor Advocate to discuss. 877-351-3600
If I’ve donated blood before and got called again to donate blood does that mean that my blood was good and that I don’t have HIV?
Please call the number on the post-donation card to inquire about test results. Thanks for giving!
You stated that you often check for STDS. How quickly does it take for STDS to show up if you donate 2xs a week.
Briitney – We always do an STD check, but we don’t have any donations that can be done twice a week. Please consult a physician about a potential contraction.
How can I find out my blood type if I’ve donated more than 3 years ago and also am living outside of the country?
You can call us at 800-366-2834 or sign in to find out your type if you donated with us.
https://ww2.greatpartners.org/donor/auth/signin
Can your hiv screening detect hiv in its early stages? Like how early can it detect it?
Tests usually can detect HIV after a month. We run a gamut of tests on all donations including:
• ABO blood grouping
• Rh type
• Red cell antibody screen
• Cholesterol
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
• Hepatitis C Antibody
• Hepatitis B Core Antibody
• HIV-1 Antibody
• HIV-2 Antibody
• HIV-O Antibody
• HTLV – Human T-Lymphotrophic Virus Type I and II Antibodies
• West Nile Virus
• Syphilis
What kinds of prescription drugs would disqualify someone from donating plasma?
You can find eligibility information here: http://www.carterbloodcare.org/eligibility/
Are full test results listed on the portal?
They are not, but if there is anything irregular, they’ll contact you directly.
Does the bool get test for clhamidia too?
You can find information about the tests performed here: http://www.carterbloodcare.org/do-you-know-the-tests-your-blood-goes-through/
They include:
What tests are performed on blood?
• ABO blood grouping
• Rh type
• Red cell antibody screen
• Cholesterol
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
• Hepatitis C Antibody
• Hepatitis B Core Antibody
• HIV-1 Antibody
• HIV-2 Antibody
• HIV-O Antibody
• HTLV – Human T-Lymphotrophic Virus Type I and II Antibodies
• West Nile Virus
• Syphilis
Do you mail a letter if the cholesterol is high>?
Jeff – We do not, but you can always check your levels after donation here: https://ww2.greatpartners.org/donor/auth/signin
If a drug addict donates plasma or blood, will the street drugs in their system transfer to a recipient who may receive the donated blood or blood products?
Blake – all donations are tested and we have a questionnaire that often weeds out any potential issues.
I am reading your blog and i get the right information about the blood test. You shared the useful information on this blog. It’s a very helpful blog. Thanks for sharing this blog.
How long does it usually take for results after testing blood hiv/Hep B&C after your donation?
We cannot give an exact time, but you will be contacted if anything is found.
Can you get hep c from donating plasma?
Carter BloodCare is dedicated to making every blood collection process safe for donors, recipients, and our staff.
I donated and they had to test
a sample of my blood and i called to see when I could come Back to donate and they told me I have to see medical first what could be the reason?
Please give us a call at 800-donate-4 and they can see what they were looking at.
Do you take blood from people who have hemochromatosis?
We do! You can learn more here: http://www.carterbloodcare.org/therapeutic-phlebotomy-programs/
Can you detect lead levels in those that live in older homes?
Please find the tests we run on all donations here: http://www.carterbloodcare.org/do-you-know-the-tests-your-blood-goes-through/
Will I be able to donate blood if I’ve been permanently deferred from donating plasma from another place. I was told that my coombs test was positive and there’s a form they gave me with a box checked that said “atypical antibodies(non-abo): this test indicates the presence of unexpected, naturally occurring, or acquired antibodies in your blood. These antibodies do not represent a disease of any kind, but they might be harmful to patients who have the corresponding antigens should those patients receive products made from your plasma. “
Please visit this link for eligibility questions/concerns: http://www.carterbloodcare.org/you-can-help/donor-guideline-faqs/
If your question isn’t answered there, please call 817-412-5830.
How long do u hold the blood before testing it and notify someone i know a person that is hiv+ but isnt established at health department that donates he still hasnt been notified 3 months later and continues to donate 2x a week?
All donations are tested and, if there is an issue, the donor is notified.
You can read more here: http://www.carterbloodcare.org/blood-facts/blood-use/
Is it possible to donate blood anonymously? I am concerned about my legal rights and privacy issues. As I understand the law now, once I donate I have no more control of how my blood is used or sold or any genetic information drawn from the donation.
Noah – donations to Carter BloodCare are not sold to companies that may use them for research, but are only distributed to hospitals, clinics, etc. where they will be used for medical treatments, surgeries, and the like. Your information is kept private within our system.
Thank you for your prompt reply but you did not answer my question. “Is it possible to donate blood anonymously?”
It is not as Carter BloodCare and the FDA need records of all donors.
Are platelet donations put through the same tests as blood donations? If not, what tests are platelet donations put through? Thanks!
Chris – the donations go through the same tests, but there is also a platelet count test.
If I donate plasma can I still find out my results
Yes, Cayquan. If you donate with us, we will report your cholesterol, hematocrit, and hemoglobin. If your donation tests positive for anything else, you’ll be contacted by one of our medical professionals.
Yes, You will be updated on the results, but make sure to confirm this before donating.
If there is a positive test on a unit, the donor is contacted by a member of our donor notifications department or one of our medical doctors.
How long after donating will someone be notified if anything is wrong?
Blood is tested within a day or so. Donors can expect to be notified within a week if there is an issue.
Are you testing for Covid 19? Or looking for the antibodies that would be present if you had it? If it was possible or if you are actually testing seems like that would be a great way to encourage people to give blood. Either way, planning on donating again soon!
Jamie – we don’t have that in place at this time, but it is something we’re looking into!
Awesome! Thanks
Test Results are posted into the account even when everything is normal, or only when there is an issue?
If there is a positive test on a unit, the donor is contacted by a member of our donor notifications department or one of our medical doctors.
Why don’t you share the actual test screening results online, instead of “We will mail a letter if there is a problem?” What if the letter is lost in the mail?
My physician suggested donating blood as a mechanism to be screened for Hep-C, but it turns out test results are not shared with the donor.
If there is a positive test on a unit, the donor is contacted by a member of our donor notifications department or one of our medical doctors.
Hi – I have been a regular platelet donor in NJ and after my last donation, i found out i am permanently deferred from donating platelets and plasma but I am still eligible to donate whole blood and red. What could have been the reason for this? I tried to reach out to the donor center but they didn’t help much
Unfortunately we aren’t able to speak for another blood bank’s procedures. I’m sorry!
I’m just here for the comments.