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Originally Posted by Lenin I had Hep A in the 70's and "antibodies consistent with immunity" to Hep B. Can I donate blood or is my blood rejected.
Is all blood tested on donation?
If someone gets the Hep B vaccine, will his blood be acceptable or will the antibodies cause the blood to be tossed in the trash? |
Hi Lenin,
yes, all blood is tested on donation (in America). and for this we should all be thankful.
hep A antibodies do not disqualify you for giving blood. hep B antibodies may, if also accompanied by antigens, disqualify you. that is, if you had hep b, ever, you may not give blood. this is partly because no one is sure that the tests really really really can tell if you have no live virus left (exactly the same situation and policies apply for hep c)
hep b vaccination in the absence of real infection should NOT disqualify you, although each blood center is free to set its own policies as long as they do not contradict FDA rules.
A person who has been vaccinated for hbv and who was not ever exposed to the live virus should show antibodies but not antigens, he is immune but has no traces of previous infecton, so it is indeed possble to tell the difference by a blood test. this person usually would be welcome at any blood donation center.
hope this helps.
sean
