QUESTION ON CONTAMINATED BLOOD

WHAT DOES CONTAMINATED BLOOD RESULTS MEAN?
(27 Sep 2007)

The question appears to be rather vague as you do not mention the kind of contamination present in the blood. Contamination purely signifies that there is a high level of impurities present in the blood. Most often, this will be established after some medical tests have been run.

In a large number of cases where the level of contamination is high, the patient is extremely prone to a number of other medical conditions and it is a very serious situation to be in, and would need almost instant medical attention. One of the most common conditions of contamination of the blood is septicemia, where the symptoms may appear to be very similar to a severe flu, but will develop rather rapidly as a result of the source of the infection. One should never ignore or leave the condition untreated as it could be lethal. The condition is also widely known by other names such as bacteremia and blood poisoning. Further complications of the condition if left untreated include septic shock which has a death rate of about 50%, depending on the kind of organism that caused it.

Septicemia is a life threatening condition that seems to worsen very quickly and can arise as a result of infections in any part of the body. It is very common for the condition to arise as a result of an infection in the lungs, an untreated kidney infection or even the use of unclean instruments during a surgical procedure. Infections of the mouth and teeth, when not treated with antibiotics, can also lead to the development of this condition. An individual affected by septicemia will often show symptoms like a fever, chills, a rapid heart rate as well as rapid breathing. The symptoms will often progress to levels where the patient may experience shock with a decreased body temperature, confusion as well as some other serious mental status’. Certain factors, such as age, overall status of health and medical history, put some individuals at a greater risk of developing the disease than others.

While it would be nice to come across a few home remedies to help treat the condition, the fact is that septicemia is such a serious condition that most people would be advised against attempting to treat themselves. The condition almost always requires hospital stay and medical supervision to constantly monitor the response of the blood and body to any treatments provided.

answered by G M on 11 Mar 2010, 5:49:40

Contaminated blood or infected blood occurs when there are disease-causing germs or viruses in a person's blood and body fluids. Blood contamination also occurs when a blood transfusion has occurred with infected or contaminated blood. Some of the bloodborne diseases that can be infected with a person's blood or body fluids are HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection, hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV). HIV virus causes AIDS, whereas HBV and HCV infect and damage liver. These diseases are spread by direct contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person. Sharing needles to inject drugs, tattooing with infected equipments, or having sex with an infected person can spread these viruses.

Diseases that are borne in the blood are harder to identify than airborne diseases, therefore precautions for contact with all blood and body fluids must be taken. If you get hurt by a needle or any other sharp object, or get in contact with blood or body fluids in your eyes, nose, mouth, a skin cut, or other body abrasion, immediately wash the infected area with soap and water, or skin disinfectant if available. You must seek medical attention immediately and get your blood tested to diagnose the chances of contamination.

answered by G M on 29 Jan 2008, 5:06:27

QUESTION ON CONTAMINATED BLOOD

WHAT DOES CONTAMINATED BLOOD RESULTS MEAN? (27 Sep 2007)

WHAT DOES CONTAMINATED BLOOD RESULTS MEAN?
(27 Sep 2007)