Is it actually mandatory ?
2006-09-19 10:44:54 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Human blood contains a factor called "rhesus", since it was first discovered in rhesus monkeys. Honestly, this isn't a joke. It comes in positive and negative varieties; each person has one or the other. If two parents with incompatible factors conceive a child, it will be born with blood problems and require an immediate transfusion. It's called "blue baby syndrome". Seriously: I learned about this years ago when my sister was studying nursing. That's why most jurisdictions began to require blood tests.
2006-09-19 10:53:01 · answer #1 · answered by stevewbcanada 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is no longer mandatory in many states, maybe all by now. The test being performed is known as Rapid Plasmin Reagin (RPR) and is the standart test for syphillis. Even into the 50's, there was a lot of trouble controlling the spread of syphillis and this was one method of doing so, if one or both of a couple wanting to marry tested positive, they would have to be treated before a license would be issued. In many states the testing carried on well into the 70's.
There are some that believe AIDS testing ought to be done before marriage now but since syphillis is curable and AIDS not, there are many legal and ethical questions to be dealt with before making such testing mandatory.
2006-09-20 05:48:06 · answer #2 · answered by tom5551 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on which state you're in, the blood test requirement persists. However, the reason the blood tests are still done is to find out if you're related to the person you're getting married to. Also, it's useful to find out if either the bride or groom has Rh- blood which will eventually cause problems when the babies come. Other than that, I don't know what else the blood test is used for.
2006-09-19 18:30:59 · answer #3 · answered by ***** 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The blood test was a way to halt/lessen the spread of venereal disease. There used to be a fear of syphilis, like cancer is now. Before penicillin, if you got syph, I understand it would make you a disfigured freak. Terrible. Thank goodness for modern medicine. To answer the second part of your question, I do not think it is mandatory anymore, again, probably due to improved medicinal cures.. . . and other stuff.
2006-09-19 12:47:39 · answer #4 · answered by violetmax 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Originally it was intended to test for syphilis.
It is still mandatory in some states. Sorry, googling around didn't give me a list of states.
2006-09-19 11:25:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Premarital blood test though not mandatory, it is useful to counsel couples to guide against off springs with congenital blood conditions as sickle cell disease or if one or both of a couple are HIV positive ,they are counsel led on how to live together with their status.
2006-09-19 11:30:47 · answer #6 · answered by Aushbaba 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No but with all the AIDS going around it should be mandatory in all states and all nations .
2006-09-19 13:00:32 · answer #7 · answered by Tired Old Man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends where you live. It is not mandatory in Canada. I believe it is to detect any genetic disorders that may be present in either partner. Or if you are too closely related.
2006-09-19 10:53:56 · answer #8 · answered by snowy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It used to be to ensure that you were not related to your future spouse. It is not mandatory in most states now.
2006-09-19 10:52:14 · answer #9 · answered by lro8232 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never heard of it, I didn't get a blood test when I got married ....
2006-09-19 10:52:47 · answer #10 · answered by RedCloud_1998 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋