Aa
Red Cross made a mistake...
A couple of years ago I gave blood at a red cross for my school and they sent me a letter in the mail saying that I tested positive for HIV because my white blood cells were high or something but at the bottom of the page it said they tested with a more accurate test and it said negative. I was just curious if I should be worried? I'm really not that worried but I would like an experts opinion. It's just been lingering in my mind for a while and I want to know if the odds are with or against me on this one. Thanks.
You don't have to name contacts when testing positive. They ask if you would like them to notify anyone or would you like to notify them yourself. Been there done that.
Interesting discussion. Perhaps it varies by region. In Northern California they do confirmatory western blot testing. If someone tests confirmed positive they will notify the person in an interview, not by mail.
http://chapters.redcross.org/ca/norcal/phys/geninfo_abntests.html
In New York, I dont know whether they will inform by letter, but they do confirmatory tests, and will notify health authorities of any confirmed positive. It says the following on their website:
WE ARE REQUIRED BY NEW YORK STATE LAW TO INFORM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OF ALL DONORS WITH A CONFIRMED POSITIVE HIV TEST. ANY HIV POSITIVE DONOR WILL BE ASKED TO COOPERATE IN CONTACT NOTIFICATION ACTIVITIES; INCLUDING NOTIFYING A SPOUSE OR OTHER NAMED CONTACTS.
http://chapters.redcross.org/ca/norcal/phys/geninfo_abntests.html
In New York, I dont know whether they will inform by letter, but they do confirmatory tests, and will notify health authorities of any confirmed positive. It says the following on their website:
WE ARE REQUIRED BY NEW YORK STATE LAW TO INFORM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OF ALL DONORS WITH A CONFIRMED POSITIVE HIV TEST. ANY HIV POSITIVE DONOR WILL BE ASKED TO COOPERATE IN CONTACT NOTIFICATION ACTIVITIES; INCLUDING NOTIFYING A SPOUSE OR OTHER NAMED CONTACTS.
The Red Cross only notifies the donor and advise them to go to their doctor for further testing. There screening does not give a conclusive test result.
Actually, the red cross will notify you by letter if you test positive for hiv from a blood donation. They will also notify the appropriate governmental health authorities. Of course, it would not have anything to do with white blood cell counts....
http://www.lifesouth.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=178
http://www.lifesouth.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=178
uh, the red cross will not send you a letter stating ANYTHING about your HIV status.. Anyone could open up that letter... with HIPPA LAWS, I would think that the red cross or any other medical establishment would get the pants sued off of them for disclosing HIV status in a letter that ANYONE could open up and read. I agree with Lizzie Lou... you better read that letter again..
the red cross would NOT send you a letter saying you were positive for hiv because your white blood cells were high!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! go back and reread that letter.
I believe you are -ve. As what the report had said.
To ally all fear, go for another test to put that to rest.
To ally all fear, go for another test to put that to rest.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
