Is it safe to donate blood these days?

Your dad is just being paranoid. All of the equipment used when you donate blood is new and sterile - there's a one in a billion chance of you getting an infection from donating blood (if anyone got sick, the donation center would be in BIG trouble). Transfusions (the receiving of donated blood) is also safer than ever before and it's only getting safer. Donated blood is tested for a lot of diseased including HIV, Hepatitis B and C, HTLV I and II and Syphilis. Besides the testing, there is a long questionaire that you have to fill out before you dontate that assess your risk factors for having any of these diseases (and others such as Chaga's and malaria) and not knowing it. If you seem like you're at risk at all for possibly having a disease, they won't allow you to donate.

A "mini" physical is also performed that includes weight, iron levels, temperature, blood pressure, and pulse. If any of these are out of range, you will not be allowed to donate.

Donation centers try to get everyone to donate, not just the young. There is no age limit to donation, but there is a minimum age (17). Getting in the habit of donating blood is a good thing to do while you are young, that way you can carry it throughout life.

After donation, some people get weak, some people even pass out (me, for example). This is due to a drop in blood volume. The any feeling of lightheadedness usually goes away in a few minutes, but you will be allowed to lay down in the chair for as long as you want to. If you're going to donate, drink plenty of juice or water.

Your body replaces the blood cells you lost within one week, and many people actually feel better in the week after they donate than they did before.

Your father is just being paranoid. It sounds to me like he's getting his knowledge from what little bad press has gone around about blood donation.

Donating blood is very safe. They use new sterile equipment with each donor and throw out the used needles. Your father is wrong. It will make you weak but that lasts only for a half hour. They give you orange juice and some cookies to help you get your energy back. Your blood supply replaces what is lost in 24 hours. Transfusion is when you RECIEVE blood, and even then the risk is slight for contracting any disease. They do a very thorough screening when you give blood. For more info on the safety look up the american red cross and check under blood donors. That should answer any other questions.

Well, your dad is looking out for your safety, but if you're old enough to chose if you give or not, then you'll have to make the final decision. I would think you would be as safe as you could be if these places are following all the safety procedures that they are supposed to. No matter what we do in life, there will be some type of risk. You want to be cautious but not afraid all the time. There are other ways on innocently becoming in contact with HIV or many other diseases. Be careful and use good judgement ask the right questions when your in doubt. Tis world would be in a horrible position if no one gave blood. Good luck on your decision. Remember the only silly question is the one you don't ask!

Is It Safe To Donate Blood?

You cannot contract any infectious disease, including AIDS, by donating blood. The needle and supplies are sterile, used only once and then safely discarded, so there is NO chance of infection.

After a blood donation, it takes just a few hours for the body to replace the volume of plasma lost. Platelets are restored in a few days, and the body compensates by increasing red cell production until normal levels return in a few weeks.

I used to give blood every 8 weeks. The most unhealthy thing about it is the cookies they give you after. Do it! Too many people don't. If you can handle the needle...there's nothing else to hurt you. It only makes you weak if you are anemic, or if you faint easily. They test for that before they take your blood. If you give to the right people, it's like going to a hospital. Do you think you're going to get HIV from the hospital?

peronally, i think the school would clean the needle well, but that is not your problem. after u donate blood you cannot have another transfusion for another six weeks. say one of your parents are the same blood type as you and something happened to them where they need blood and this happened within those six weeks. your parent would need blood fast and u should be the donator

Of course it is OK If not blood, give platelets. You will feel good about it. But call a bloodcenter and reasure yourself by all means. What if you or your dad ever NEED a transfusion would you regect it?

absolutely. Blood center are in need of blood and they use clean sterile equipment. they will also test you for a variety of diseases including HIV.

Yes But Don`t Except Any.

it might be cruel because in future you may need blood yourself but i personally wouldnt i dont think it is at all safe or right your blood is yours to keep it contains all your DNA its the source of your life i personally dont feel comfortable having mine run through some1 elses veins