The blood supply is safe. Thirteen tests – 10 for infectious diseases – are performed on each unit of donated blood. A strict screening process also helps ensure the safety of blood. Donating blood is safe.
All blood centers follow these general safety procedures:
- Blood donor eligibility standards
- Donor record checks
- Laboratory testing
Tests done on each unit of blood:
- ABO blood grouping and Rh typing
- Red cell antibody screen
- Two tests for hepatitis B
- Two tests for hepatitis C
- Two tests for HIV- 1
- HIV- 2
- Human T-Lymphotrophic Virus Types I and II (HTLV)
- West Nile virus
- Syphilis
- Chagas
What if I test positive for an infectious disease?
You may not be able to donate blood (either temporarily or
indefinitely) depending on the type of test result.
The donor is notified of any abnormal test results, or could be
notified that their blood center wishes to consult personally with
him/her. At that time, the blood center is able to help the donor
understand the test result.
