Is donated blood safe these days?

@Pleiades (846)
United States
January 20, 2009 10:38pm CST
When 9-11 happened, everyone was about "Giving blood", "save a life". But, with things that people are doing these days, is the blood safe anymore? I know that some religions refuse blood in that sense and maybe they have something there. Just watching how people act, trying to get with someone else regaurdless of how many people that person has been with. Or, what disease they may be carrying...and a gazillion other things. I'm not trying to provoke fear for the donated blood, I'm just curious to see if I'm the only one that's looking at this situation like this. *Pleiades
3 responses
@elmiko (6630)
• United States
21 Jan 09
For the most part i would say so. they test it these days unlike years back when people got aids through blood transfusions.
1 person likes this
@neededhope (1085)
• United States
21 Jan 09
I have donated blood three times so far in my life. And I completely trust the safety of it. If you live in the US they have precautions they take when taking your blood. All the needles are in a sealed container. And they wear gloves the whole time. And if they go from you to another patient they change the gloves. It's really save to donate. Now others refuse to give blood because they don't like needles. But if you look at this a different way. Such as you are the victum that needs the blood. But there's a lack of supply to even get it. What would you do? I look at it as if that was me I would want someone to donate so I can live. IF there's no blood and you need it... chances are you won't live long. It's giving that person an extra chance to live. Also they test the blood they take too. To see if there's any dieases that are transfered by blood. And they do not take your blood and pump it directly to another patient so there's no connection of your blood to theres. It's really safe. If you have any other questions feel free to ask!!
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Jan 09
The American Red Cross screens all blood and blood products to make sure they are safe and while there are always risks- having a blood transfusion is probably one of the more safe procedure to have these days. I would you would be at greater risk for having an allergic reaction than actually transmitting a disease. I am a nurse and have never had a patient have any issues with blood transfusions- I know there are people who have had issues but they are few and very far between. Hope this helps. Happy mylotting and Great topic.