When donating blood what is tested for?

1. Blood type (ABO and Rh factor): This test determines your blood type, which is essential for ensuring compatibility during blood transfusions.

2. Hemoglobin level: Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood to ensure it's within a normal range.

3. Platelet count: Platelets are responsible for blood clotting. This test measures the number of platelets in your blood to ensure it's sufficient for normal clotting function.

4. Red blood cell count: This test determines the number of red blood cells in your blood. It helps identify conditions like anemia, where the red blood cell count is lower than normal.

5. White blood cell count: White blood cells are essential for fighting infections. This test measures the number of white blood cells in your blood to ensure it's within a normal range.

6. Hematocrit: This test measures the portion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. It helps in identifying conditions such as anemia and dehydration.

7. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): MCV measures the average size of red blood cells and helps detect conditions like anemia and thalassemia.

8. Infectious diseases: Blood donations are screened for various infectious diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis, to ensure the safety of the blood supply.

9. Liver enzymes: Liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), may be tested to evaluate liver function.

10. Blood chemistry: This includes testing for electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate) and other important chemical components in the blood.

11. Hemoglobin electrophoresis: This test is sometimes performed to identify abnormal hemoglobin variants, such as those associated with sickle cell anemia.