Chagas

Specialties Disease

Published

Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I gave blood at the end of last month and instead of getting my donor card, I got a packet saying that I was ineligible to give blood because initial screening showed a positive result for T. cruzi, but then it was neg. Then again for Hep C antibodies.

I am really confused about the Chagas. It says that it is a Latin American parasite. I have NEVER been to Latin America. It also means that I probably cannot be an organ donor either.

I am concerned and can't seem to find any decent information. I am planning to call my PCP in the am.

Hoping someone can give some insight or resources to look at.

Thanks!!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Here's what the CDC says:

CDC - Chagas Disease

Good luck tomorrow....

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

Thanks! I found that information. I am looking for a reason as to why I would have a false positive; what other organisms could cause that?

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

It says that vectorborne disease in the US is rare. Not unheard of. It is possible you were infected here or through contact with someone who has been to Mexico or while in Mexico yourself if you have ever been there or on a cruise that has gone there.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I spoke to CDC and they are retesting people who are getting false positives. I had a false positive for HepC, too and the lady at CDC said that has been the trend. basically it is a bad or flawed test. They are trying to figure out how to fix it. They obviously need the blood to be safe, but they are wasting so much good blood because of a bad test. Red Cross is retesting, too.

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