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Model Protocol for Counseling Donors
APPLICABILITY: Blood banks, organ banks or
other human tissue banks shall use the MODEL PROTOCOL FOR COUNSELING DONORS
whenever face-to-face counseling is conducted.
Pretest counseling shall contain information which
includes the confidential nature, meaning and use of the test results in the format
utilized by the blood or tissue bank.
When notification by mail is necessary as specified
in ss. 381.0041(5)-(6), F.S. and in Rule 64D-2.005, F.A.C., blood banks shall utilize the
following information for the notification of positive HIV test results:
INFORMATION FOR PERSONS WITH A
POSITIVE
ANTIBODY TEST FOR HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV)
WHAT DOES A POSITIVE TEST MEAN?
Since your test is positive, it means that you have been infected with the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and have developed an antibody (an immune substance in the
blood) to the virus. the test has detected the antibody in your blood and does not mean
you have AIDS or will develop AIDS. It does mean a person is infected with the AIDS virus.
Scientists do not know how many people who have
this antibody go on to develop AIDS. Some have developed AIDS and others have had milder
forms of illness. A healthy lifestyle is the means to control the progression and course
of the disease, as well as to improve the quality of life.
HOW IS THE HIV TRANSMITTED (SPREAD)?
The HIV is transmitted (spread) by the exchange of semen or blood during sexual
relations or by sharing needles or equipment used for infecting drugs. Any body fluid that
contains visible blood may transmit the virus.
A woman infected with HIV can transmit it to her
unborn or newborn child. The transmission may occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or soon
after birth through breast feeding.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY ANTIBODY TEST IS POSITIVE?
A positive test indicates that you have been infected with the virus and are
capable of passing the virus onto others. In addition to visiting your doctor for medical
evaluation:
- Do not donate blood, plasma, organs, sperm, or other
body tissues.
- When having sex, always use condoms to avoid passing
or receiving body fluids - particularly blood, semen, vaginal secretions, saliva, feces,
or urine.
- Avoid sex with people who have AIDS or may be
infected with the HIV virus.
- Reduce your number of sex partners.
- Do not use drugs or share needles.
- Do not use "poppers" (amyl and butyl
nitrite inhalants).
- Know the signs and symptoms of HIV related
illnesses.
- You should be aware that there is some risk
associated with letting others know about your test results. It is advisable to keep this
information private and inform only your physician, dentist, or dental hygienist.
- Avoid sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes
and razors, which could transmit the HIV virus to others.
- Any spill of blood should be washed with a freshly
prepared solution of 1 part household bleach to 10 parts water which will kill the virus.
- Inform any sex or needle sharing partners you have
had during the past two years so they may obtain counseling for HIV. Contact your local
county health department for assistance in locating or informing your partners.
- A woman who is HIV infected should not become
pregnant in order to avoid the possibility of infecting her infant.
WHAT CHANGES SHOULD I MAKE IN MY DAILY
ACTIVITIES?
You need not change your life beyond the suggestions listed above if you have a positive
HIV antibody test.
The following additional points may be helpful:
- Contact with family and friends can be normal;
hugging and kissing on the cheek do not spread the virus.
- Contact with people at work or in the community
should be as usual. Special precautions and restrictions are not necessary.
- Eat a well balanced diet, exercise moderately, and
get plenty of rest.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables well and be certain
all foods are stored properly and fully cooked.
WHO CAN HELP ME OR PROVIDE ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION?
- Your personal physician
- Your local county health department
- AIDS Hotline (24 hours a day) 1-800-342-2437
- Local Hospitals
- Local Community Mental Health Center
- Local AIDS Support Services(s)
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