What questions are typically asked of donors?

Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider if you have any questions about the medical conditions listed below and donating milk.

Questions typically asked of donors:1

  • Is there anything that would prevent you from donating safe and healthy breastmilk?
  • Have you read the Resource for Informed Milk Sharing?
  • Do you have any concerns about sharing your milk that you want to talk about?
  • Have you ever tested positive for TB, HTLV I or II, HIV I or II, Herpes Simplex, Hepatitis B or C, or Syphilis?
  • Have you had close or intimate contact with anyone infected with any of the above?
  • Are you or your sexual partner(s) at risk for HIV?
  • Were you born in or have you ever visited any of the following countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Niger, or Nigeria?
  • Has a blood relative been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)?
  • Do you have any open sores, blisters, and/or cracks on the skin?
  • Would you agree to have your blood screened if requested?
  • Would you agree to be tested for TB if requested?
  • Have you required hospitalization or blood transfusion in the last 12 months?
  • Have you ever received an organ transplant?
  • Have you received any vaccinations in the last 12 months?
  • Do you have a history of cancer?
  • Do you take any prescription medications on a regular basis, including hormone replacement?
  • Do you take excessive amounts of prescription drugs?
  • Do you have any general health concerns?
  • Does your baby have any general health or weight gain concerns?
  • Do you smoke?
  • Do you consume more than 3 caffeinated beverages per day?
  • Do you drink alcohol? How much and how often?
  • Do you use recreational drugs? Which ones and how often?
  • Do you use over-the-counter (OTC) medication? Which ones and how often?
  • Do you use herbal supplements? Which ones and how often?
  • Do you have silicone breast implants?
  • Have you had body piercings, tattoos, accidental needle stick injuries, acupuncture, electrolysis, or wear permanent makeup?
  • Do you take megavitamins?
  • Do you know how to clean milk collection items?
  • Do you know how to safely store milk?

Next section: Suggested blood tests for donors.

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  1. Some of these questions are typically asked of donors by milk banks. Milk banks offer a big percentage of their milk to premature and sick infants. Some milk banks may also ask for clearance by a healthcare provider to donate milk, and for completing a form with current health information to include with shipping or delivery of milk. Donors and recipients of informed milksharing may have different expectations than those presented here. ↩︎