Advertisement
Health TopicsImmune SystemHIV and AIDS
question

Could I get HIV from donating blood?

Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine
Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine
answer
No. You cannot contract HIV or other viral disease by donating blood. Sterile procedures and disposable equipment are used in all donation centers in the United States. Sterile procedures ensure that the spread of diseases from the equipment used or from the person who draws the blood is avoided. Needles used to draw the blood are only used once on the person donating the blood. The needle is then discarded.
American Red Cross
American Red Cross
answer
No. The Red Cross uses a needle only once and then disposes of it. Sterile procedures and disposable equipment are used in all Red Cross donor centers. You can’t get any bacterial or viral disease – including HIV from donating blood.

Continue Learning about HIV and AIDS

HIV: You’ve Achieved Viral Suppression, Now What?
HIV: You’ve Achieved Viral Suppression, Now What?
The first and most important step to take after being diagnosed with HIV is to start treatment as early as possible. HIV (human immunodeficiency viru...
Read More
Cómo tener una participación activa en tu tratamiento para el VIH
Cómo tener una participación activa en tu tratamiento para el VIH
A las personas que viven con enfermedades crónicas como el VIH se les aconseja "Ser su propio promotor de salud". Serlo significa hacerse cargo de su ...
Read More
9-Minute Meditation for HIV
9-Minute Meditation for HIV
According to research by the University of California at Los Angeles, meditation can help reduce stress for people living with HIV and may even help s...
Read More
Restarting HIV Treatment After an Unplanned Interruption
Restarting HIV Treatment After an Unplanned Interruption
Under ideal circumstances, once a person begins treatment for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), treatment will continue uninterrupted. But circumsta...
Read More

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.