I had a discussion with a coworker today about giving blood as a way to get tested for STD ("for free"). Now, even if this were true I could not see it being any substitute for a physical exam, but I could not argue away his logic either (which is simply: donated blood is tested and they know who donated it).

So my question is, is this something anyone here does as a way of getting tested? If so, why - other than the cost of an exam? Is there some other consideration I am not aware of in this discussion?

Just trying to satisfy my curiosity, and if possible win a friendly argument.

Thank you for your responses!

I've never heard of that.  For one thing I don't know if they would give you the results.

In most areas you can get tested for free at County Health Services, also many free clinics and GLBT centers have free testing.

Have fun, play safe,
TS Jamie

I think most places will test your blood before you donate it. If they don't find whatever they test for, then they let you donate. The question is, what are all the things they test for?

b-

If you think you are at risk for an STD how much of a humanitarian are you being if you put the general population at risk by trying to donate your blood?  The words "idiot", "liar" and "asshole" come immediately to mind...

I guess it's a way to avoid going to your regular doctor or to save a few bucks but there are free clinics out there that make the whole idea kinda foolish.

Based on what I read in this link there is a good chance you would never get a chance to donate anyway...

There are enough free clinics out there where you can get it done, anonymously and free of charge. Some places may have you fill out a "ability to pay" form" and ask for a portion of the normal fee.

More importantly. When you donate blood, like question #5 after you fill out your name on a donor form is "Have you had sex with a Prostitute/ sex worker in the last 6 months. Now you could "gloss over" that answer if you chose to, but if you did I think BG57 has already covered the monikers associated with that type of individual. Not a classy group.

We learned to give Friday rather than Saturday.  

Our tests would come back dehydrated, anemic and drunk.  We never thought to ask if we'd also caught an STD.

Giving blood in no way ensures that they will give you a courtesy call to let you know you've got something nasty going on. What a moron.

Seriously, could you just post a kick  me sign on his back at work later please?

There is no substitute for the full exam of the bits and pieces. Next these guys will be looking for internet exams and diagnoses in order to avoid this! Sheesh!

Katie

-- Modified on 2/19/2008 5:48:29 AM

it can tell me who killed JFK.....

The Blood is only tested for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and a few other blood-borne pathogens, NOT STD's!

It is not a substitute for a full physical exam!!! But not many of us go in for a complete physical every month, right!?!

It is a nice option for in between physical exams!
http://www.redcross.org/donate/give/

I don't care if you get a full workup every week. If you are on this board you are either a prostitute, or you frequent prostitutes - either of which should exclude your blood from being accepted.

Or do you lie when they ask you "Have you frequented a prostitute in the last 6 months?"