I was told once HCV Always HCV

If a person has successful tx and is undetectable or SVR for the rest of their life can you still never give Blood or be an organ donor?

[nygirl7]

I don't know the legalities but I'd assume we still have the antibodies in us...so I think no which is a shame because I've been an organ donor since I learned what it was.  Honestly most of my junk is probably so old and useless who'd want it anyway (just trying to make myself feel better).

I don't really know for sure. Now I'm curious too.

[sldb]

As long as you are positive for antibodies, even though SVR, anatomical gift and blood donation are not possible. There is always a slim chance we still have a minute amount of circulating virons in our bodies. Until there is a time when we can be positive of a CURE, blood and organ donations will be denied.  

[ksk3926]

I thought that someone who is svr can donate organs to others who have hep c. Once I was svr I signed up for the organ donation program thinking that if I'm gone there is no-one else (familiy aside) that I'd rather give my organs to than a fellow hepper.
Kathy

[R Glass]

Since this is a fairly new, discovered Virus and they have a long way to go in understanding it, I do not think I would be an Organ or Blood Donor, regardless of the legalities. I consider Organ or Blood Donors very noble but why take the risk of infecting someone that is obviously trying to live. One day they may find a 100% Cure. Until that day comes, I couldn’t entertain the thought of doing it.

[cierra2007]

I found out that I was HCV positive while donating blood for the Red Cross in July of 07.
In my case I  had no choice but to register my name with CDC the center for Disease Control and Prevention. The one thing that bothers me the must today is the fact
that I will never be able to donate blood...............
The Law in some states requires that you  or your Doctor notify the health department of positive test results for HCV.......... or any other infectious deseases...

Cierra

[Boni58]

You can donate your own blood for your own use if you ever need a major surgery and of course you are not on tx and well enough to give up a pint or two. The Red Cross also does this and you decrease the risk of other blood born viruses including another type of HCV.

[Deb_c430]

YOUR ALL right!  No you can not give blood or organs,  Unless it is to a research center for other HCV folks or for yourself.

My husband can not give blood even, not because of HCV but because we lived in England during mad cow!

There are few things they will not let you donate if you have ever had.

[mikesimon]

Really, you may still be able to donate organs. That will be decided when you die by medical experts. You can list yourself as a donor and if your organs or tissues can be used they will be and you'll be dead anyway so you won't feel snubbed in the least if they decide not to use them. Mike

[mikesimon]

See: http://www.organdonor.gov/donor/index.htm
        Question
If I have a previous medical condition, can I still donate?
   Answer
   Yes! Transplant professionals will evaluate the condition of your organs at the time of your death and determine if your organs are suitable for donation. You should consider yourself a potential organ and tissue donor, indicate your intent to donate on your driver's license, donor card, or state donor registry, and discuss your decision with family members.

[Deb_c430]

lol you won't feel snubbed!   That is interesting,  most of my knowledge about blood giving and transplanting comes from military sources.    


When i got my drivers license, (military/european)  they would not let me put on there organ donor, because of HCV.  

Wonder if it was cause we over seas,  or part of sofa agreement?

[Mr Liver]

Livers from HCV infected cadavers have saved many lives. If you are HCV infected and just about dead ( and the majority of recipients these days are ) you will more than welcome a stage 2 liver, until a more suitable organ can be found. All HCV infected persons should be listed as donors should they choose to be one.