2006-09-21 05:29:32 · 18 answers · asked by chefbrian67 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
They are suppose to, but that doesn't always happen. The American Red Cross was just fined a few weeks ago for $4.2 million for violating blood safety laws.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060908/ap_on_go_ot/red_cross_blood
People to this day are still infected with HIV through blood transfusions. It is less common today because most of the blood is screened. But, many people, especially in the early 80s when scientists were just discovering HIV/AIDS, were infected with blood because they didn't realize it could be spread that way. They thought it was a "gay" disease that only homosexual men got.
2006-09-21 06:53:46 · answer #1 · answered by Alli 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do test for it, and many other things.. every time.. but the fact of the matter is, HIV can stay dormant and not be noticeable in a persons blood for a long time.. the body doesn't start it's measurable defense instantly. during that "window" period it is possible that someone can give blood and HIV not be detected.. it's rare, but it does happen.
2006-09-21 05:35:09 · answer #2 · answered by pip 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The American Red Cross just got one of the largest fines in history because they passed out so much blood that was contaminated, so I would say maybe now they have started to check and not just leave it to you putting a no in the HIV box!
2006-09-21 05:33:16 · answer #3 · answered by Michael 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've heard that they test the blood, but have also heard of people getting infected with HIV from a blood transfucion. I hope I'm wrong & they really do test it.
2006-09-21 05:39:44 · answer #4 · answered by ladycddles 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have to check if the blood is free from HIV, ANEMIA, SYPHILUS, and any other bacteria or viruses that can harm anyone if it is used. They will actually let you know if ur blood is infected with anything.
2006-09-24 18:04:48 · answer #5 · answered by sugar507 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they do but now there are other things like West Nile etc. and not sure what all they really check for. It's always a risk taking blood but hey, if you need blood, you need it!!!
2006-09-21 05:32:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
AS A PHLEBOTOMIST, ANY TIME YOU GIVE BLOOD AS A DONOR THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO CHECK YOUR BLOOD FOR EVERYTHING. AS PROVEN SOME BLOOD DOESN'T. BUT, YES THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO. WHEN YOU GO TO GET LAB WORK THEY DO NOT CHECK FOR HIV BECAUSE THAT IS A TEST THAT IS JUST FOR YOU NOT TO BE GIVEN TO ANOTHER PERSON. WHEN YOUR BLOOD IS SCREENED FOR HIV OR AIDS TESTING YOU HAVE TO GIVE SIGNED PERMISSION FOR THEM TO DO SO.
2006-09-21 07:15:07 · answer #7 · answered by claude l 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For HIV, hepatitis and anything else that might be transmittable in the blood.
2006-09-21 05:30:54 · answer #8 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all blood in the Unites States is now screened
2006-09-21 06:06:53 · answer #9 · answered by R R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some agencies do not and some do.However the guidelines from the government are very rigid for blood banks.
2006-09-21 05:41:22 · answer #10 · answered by LadyV 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋