SAFE BLOOD STARTS WITH YOU
KEEPING OUR BLOOD SUPPLY SAFE IS IMPORTANT
Meet Zac. Beekeeper Zac gives blood because he knows someone he loves might need it one day.
Meet Graham. Graham is a dedicated plasma and platelet donor. Working in medical research, he knows how important blood donation is and regularly rolls up his sleeves to help out.
Why keeping our blood supply safe is important Thank you for volunteering to become a blood donor. Your gift is used in a number of ways to provide essential services for thousands of Australians who rely on blood and medical treatments derived from donated blood. The Blood Service uses a combined approach to reduce the risk of HIV and hepatitis transmission. This includes identifying, prior to donation, people whose lifestyle increases the risk of contact with these viruses and asking them not to donate blood. Blood transfusions are safer now than they have ever been, and the Blood Service needs your help to maintain these standards. Blood donations are tested for viruses such as HIV (the AIDS virus), hepatitis B and hepatitis C, as well as other checks for blood typing. Even though these tests are very sensitive, there is a period after a person first becomes infected with a virus during which the tests will be negative. As a result tested blood donations could still pass on a disease if transfused to a patient, even though there was no sign of infection at the time of your donation. Although the chances of this happening are very small, we also ask a series of important questions each time you visit. If, after reading this leaflet, you are still unsure or you need help, please talk in complete confidence with the nurse while you are in the Blood Donor Centre. Blood Service medical officers are also available to answer your queries. If you wish to, you can leave without giving blood at any point during the process before the donation starts.
NEVER give blood if: –– you are HIV positive –– you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C –– you have ever injected yourself or been injected with drugs not prescribed by a doctor or dentist (even once) Do not give blood if, in the last 12 months, you have/or had: –– sex with another man, even “safe sex” using a condom (if you are a male) –– sex with a man who has had sex with another man (if you are a female) –– a partner who has hepatitis B or hepatitis C –– a partner who has ever injected themselves with drugs not prescribed by a doctor or dentist –– sex with a male or female sex worker –– a blood transfusion –– hepatitis or been in contact with hepatitis –– been in prison –– sex with anyone who lives in or has come from a country considered to have a high rate of HIV infection (please ask the interviewer for details) All donors are required to answer Yes or No to these questions on the Donor Questionnaire Form and sign a declaration that they have answered the questions honestly and to the best of their knowledge. A false declaration will result in prosecution. If you have any questions, please seek advice from one of our professional staff.
HIV and hepatitis C in Australia
Who can I talk to?
HIV and hepatitis C infection are global health issues. These infections are acquired through contact with infected body fluids.
If you are worried about HIV or hepatitis, you can speak with our nurses or doctors. All discussions are treated in strictest confidence.
Remember that you cannot get HIV, hepatitis or any other infection by giving blood. Every donation from every donor is tested for evidence of HIV or hepatitis infection. Although HIV is mostly associated with male to male sexual activity, heterosexual activity in countries with a high rate of HIV is an increasing risk. These countries are identified using data produced by the World Health Organisation. Hepatitis C is now transmitted most commonly by intravenous drug use. Infection may also be caused by unsterile tattooing and body piercing activities or by other personal or occupational blood contact.
What happens if my blood donation tests positive for HIV or hepatitis? You will be informed of any significant abnormal results. We can arrange for retesting, referral for medical advice and/or treatment.
Meet Joe. Joe works as a paramedic, studies medicine and loves surfing. He donates regularly because he sees first-hand how vital blood products are to his patients.
Information can also be obtained from your general practitioner or from a sexual health clinic.
Where can I get a HIV or hepatitis test? Testing performed by the Blood Service is only intended for blood screening purposes primarily to ensure recipient safety. You should never rely on this testing for personal health screening purposes. Confidential personal tests for HIV and hepatitis are available through your own doctor or through a sexual health clinic.
Remember you cannot get HIV or hepatitis by giving blood Please help us to keep our blood supply safe. If you are in any doubt, then please call and speak with our professional staff on 13 14 95.