Can I Donate.blood a Week Before Lab Draws

header 2

Do You Know the Tests Your Blood Goes Through?

By Carter BloodCare | 95 comments | General, Hospital | 11 July, 2016

If you've given blood before, you know that you've just given a life-saving resource to people in need. However, there is a lot that happens between a donation and the time of the transfusion. At the time of your donation, the phlebotomist draws several tubes of blood before collecting the actual transfusion product. When your donation is completed, the blood in the tubes is what the laboratory uses later, for testing the blood. Once at the laboratory, the blood undergoes numerous tests to determine if it is safe for transfusion before it can be utilized by a community hospital partner for patients.

ABO Blood Grouping

This test establishes your blood type and helps to determine what blood types you can receive, if needed, in the future; and most immediately, which patients can receive your blood.

Rh Typing

Similar to ABO testing, the Rh test indicates whether your blood type is positive or negative; further narrowing the options of patients who can safely receive your donation.

Red Cell Antibody Screen

This screening looks for unexpected antibodies on the red cells that could be caused from past transfusions, pregnancy, and other factors. Knowing which antibodies are present contributes to the decision-making about matching blood for patients.

Infectious Disease Testing

The primary diseases for which the blood is tested every time you donate are:

Hepatitis B and C
HIV – the virus that causes AIDS
HTLV types I and II (viruses linked to a form of leukemia and inflammation of the spinal cord)
West Nile virus – transmitted through mosquito bites
Syphilis – a sexually transmitted disease
Each donor is tested one time for Chagas disease which is transmitted through a bug that is referred to as "the kissing bug."

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is not a mandatory or regulated screening or test. Rather, Carter BloodCare offers this to its donors as a way to stay on top of health and cardiovascular risks.

How often are new tests added?

In order to keep each patient safe, the blood industry and multiple regulatory agencies are constantly looking at new health risks and disease that could affect the safety of the blood collected for transfusion. If the need arises to add another test, it is incorporated after much consideration by the regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What happens if someone tests positive?

Depending on the type of positive test result, a donor may be temporarily or indefinitely deferred. Units with positive infectious disease markers are discarded. A donor will be notified of any significant abnormal test results. At that time, we are able to help the donor understand the test result and subsequent deferral, if any. All test results are confidential on a strict, need-to-know basis, including the required notification to the health department of certain positive test results.

If you have questions about testing, please call Donor Notification at 1-888-480-8200 or check out our FAQs.

COVID-19 and the Blood Supply

By Carter BloodCare | 25 comments

We thank you for your interest in donating blood and helping your community. A few eligibility requirements are important to know about during COVID-19. Donation eligibility during COVID-19 You cannot donate if you are inRead more
"Blood donors helped save my son's life."

By Carter BloodCare | 0 comment

Jax Fisher was a laid-back, easygoing kid when he and his parents received Jax's diagnosis of Ewing Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. He was 11. "Jax just started middle school and was running a lotRead more
Donor Center Series: Denton

By Carter BloodCare | 0 comment

This article is part of a series highlighting each of Carter BloodCare's donor centers, their teams, and their commitment to serving their communities by fulfilling the mission to save lives by making transfusion possible. DentonRead more
This Holiday Season, Give the Gift that Saves Lives

By Carter BloodCare | 0 comment

One of the greatest gifts you can give this holiday season is a donation to save lives. Blood donations typically drop over the holidays as personal calendars fill with shopping, travel and get-togethers with friendsRead more
Amazon e-Gift Card

By Carter BloodCare | 0 comment

Donate in December for a $10 Amazon e-Gift Card When you give, we give! As a holiday thank-you, all Carter BloodCare donors who register to donate in December will receive a $10 Amazon e-Gift CardRead more
Blood Supply

By Carter BloodCare | 0 comment

Take a look at your community blood supply The need for blood never ends, but the available amount can change from day to day. Blood transfusion is one of the most frequently performed procedures inRead more
Thanksgiving 2021

By Carter BloodCare | 0 comment

Thanks for giving with Carter BloodCare This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for our donors and everyone who supports Carter BloodCare's mission to save lives by making transfusion possible. This year has presented challenges for allRead more
2021 Car Giveaway

By Carter BloodCare | 0 comment

SPARKing the Giving Season A new car in the new year? It's in the bag for one lucky Carter BloodCare donor! Donors that donate blood with Carter BloodCare from Nov. 22, 2021 to Jan. 7,Read more
Veterans Day 2021

By Carter BloodCare | 0 comment

Donate blood to honor our veterans and current service members This November, Carter BloodCare encourages eligible donors to step up in honor and support of our U.S. military veterans and active duty service members. VeteransRead more