PREM Bank: blood tests for milk donors

Blood tests for milk donors

Before we can accept your donated breast milk, the Perron Rotary Express Milk (PREM) Bank needs to ask a number of questions about your general health and lifestyle.

We will also require a blood test to ensure the absence of any of diseases and infections, which may be transmitted through breast milk.

The screening process for milk donation is similar to that of blood donors and the tests are additional to the ones already undergone before giving birth to your baby. You will also be required to undergo repeat blood tests if you donate to the milk bank for more than a three-month period. The screening process is provided free of charge.

What your blood will be tested for

HIV 1 and 2 - Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and 2 is responsible for AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS is the name given to a collection of diseases that develop because the body’s immune system breaks down. It is possible to carry HIV for many years without becoming ill.

Hepatitis B and C - viruses that infect liver cells and can cause inflammation of the liver.

HTLV I and II - Human T-cell Leukaemia virus types I and II are most common in Southern Japan, the Caribbean, parts of Africa, South America and South Eastern USA. Many people who carry these viruses have no symptoms although they will be infectious.

Syphilis - a sexually transmitted bacterial infection.

Test results

Once we have received your blood test results, you will receive a phone call or email from us. If you have a positive result for any of these conditions, you will be referred to a specialist for additional help and counselling.

The PREM Bank ensures the confidentiality of our donor mothers. All personal information and test results obtained by the PREM Bank are held in strict confidence. If you have any further questions please ask your PREM Bank consultant.