herpes and donating plasma..question?

Question

I went to donate plasma today and I was denied. I have g. herpes and I read up on some plasma centers and they said it was ok as long as there were no active lesions, which i have none as of now . The bozo "physician" said it could be transmitted through blood. I disagreed. WHO is right? If you have herpes you can donate blood, I read something from the American Red Cross. So what's the difference? thanks !

Answer 1

The "doctor" sounds completely wrong. First of all, herpes is NOT in the blood (so many people think it is!). People with herpes are allowed to donate blood as long as they are feeling well. Since herpes is NOT in the blood it is perfectly fine for a person with herpes to donate.

And, like you, everywhere I have read has said that it is perfectly fine as long as there are no active lesions.

I would try and contact a different plasma donating center and asking them. Good luck!

"Herpes - Genital

You may be eligible for plasma donation as long as no active lesions are present even if you are taking antiviral medications prophylactically (preventative)."
http://www.biolifeplasma.com/en/donating-plasma/eligibility.html

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

Here are the Red Cross eligibility guidelines: http://www.redcross.org/services/biomed/0,1082,0_557_,00.html#std. My question: are you donating plasma at a nonprofit organization, such as the Red Cross, or are you donating it at a for-profit organization and being paid? If you are paid for a blood product (FDA regulations) that product cannot be transfused into a person; the plasma centers sell it to companies that use it for research and to make medications. The for-profit companies do have the right to defer you on any criteria they want. The nonprofit companies do not usually defer someone with herpes if they are asymptomatic and healthy. The very first time you have a herpes outbreak, theoretically it can be passed via blood. There might have been an additional, or another reason, for your deferral. If the organization was non-profit, you may want to e-mail them for an explanation.

Answer 5

My guess is that they are assuming that because you have one STD, you may be at risk to have another which could be blood-borne. Herpes is NOT transmitted through blood, and is only transmitted via mucous membranes and skin contact. You should be able to donate blood as far as I know.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

i have gotten plasma before and i wouldn't want plasma from someone with any type of disease or even the flu... sorry, but i think the physician knows more than you about the subject.