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

Building a relationship with your HIV healthcare provider
Building a relationship with your HIV healthcare provider
While there is no cure for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), there are treatments that allow people with HIV to live normal lives. HIV is treated wi...
Read More
How to find the right healthcare provider to treat HIV
How to find the right healthcare provider to treat HIV
Being diagnosed with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) means adjusting to a new normal. While HIV is not curable, it is manageable, and the treatment...
Read More
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
Talking to your doctor about the next steps in your HIV treatment
Talking to your doctor about the next steps in your HIV treatment
Dr. Jennifer Caudle, DO helps you find the words when talking to your doctor about the next steps in your HIV diagnosis. 
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.