Question:
What are your thoughts on an AIDS test after a transfusion?

Hey, I have gone against medical orders twice now regarding transfusions. With this surgery, my doctor kind of encouraged me by saying they had almost lost me on the table, refusing the blood could increase my chance towards complications. (Different from the childbirth option, which was to start feeling better immediately). So I accepted 2 units after praying and calling my DH and his sister for their thoughts. I am glad I did! I later had a complication, and then another -- I am glad I did what I could to minimize the outcomes of these. Okay... so now I am tossing around the idea of being tested for AIDS, Hep C, etc... I am not worried about it, but I have my husband to consider (it is obvious he is not concerned about it either :)!!) What are your thoughts? What time frame would I have to wait to be considered out of danger?    — Karen F. (posted on July 5, 2002)

July 5, 2002
First dont panic. All blood is screened today, and the chance of infected blood getting by the tests before you get it is VERY SMALL. Now I received 13 pints of blood and many platlets in 1985 right before testing started. Had no problems but it was always in the back of my mind. Well WLS last ju;y 23rd went well. Then I was told a OR nurse got needle stick from me during surgery and I would have to be HIV tested. Lots of worry, but somtime later it all came back fine. I cant answer your question but this is mre to reassure you. Call your PCP and get tested so you can relax and enjoy your weight loss.
   — bob-haller

July 5, 2002
Not to be the voice of doom and gloom, but you should definitely get tested for Hep C...my mom just died from this. She got it from a blood transfusion in the early 80s. I believe they have recently started screening blood for Hep C, but I would be more concerned about catching that than I would HIV. Good luck.
   — rebeccamayhew

July 5, 2002
Don't worry too much. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, "The risk that a patient will be given blood that is infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is less than 2 cases per million units transfused, according to researchers participating in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's (NHLBI) Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study (REDS). The risk for other transfusion-transmitted viruses is also low, the study found." However, the fact that it is even on your mind may be enough to justify a test. If it would make you feel better, why not?
   — Amber L.

July 5, 2002
If it helps any, I used to work in a blood testing facility. The tests that the FDA requires you today will detect the smallest virus's. For example, there is what is called a NAT test which tests for HIV. If a donor gets infected with HIV and donates 2 days later, this test WILL detect it. Also there are so many questions dealing with a persons background, even if they "might" be a risk, the blood bank will not let them donate and will deferr them for the rest of their life. I would feel very comfortable getting any blood that is processed in the US. If you have any questions email me.
   — Kendra A.