Donated blood is tested for STDs

Campus Student Health Services took blood from 20 volunteers at Des Moines Area Community College and tested it for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the campus periodical reports.

Those who donated blood did so as part of a drive to collect needed samples for the Iowa Blood Center.

The news source said that all blood collected was tested for STDs like hepatitis, syphilis and HIV.

It added that nurses who come into direct contact with donated blood cannot donate blood themselves for a year and must submit to frequent STD screenings.

In addition to being spread by risky sexual activity, STDs may be passed by intravenous drug use or, rarely, through donated blood. Those concerned that they have contracted HIV or another STD may consider looking into online testing services, particularly if they are concerned about their privacy.

Intravenous drug users make up 12 percent of new HIV infections each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.