Donor tests malaria positive, I received this blood

After blood is drawn, it is tested for ABO group (blood type) and Rh type (positive or negative), as well as for any unexpected red blood cell antibodies that may cause problems for the transfusion recipient. It will also be tested for bloodborne diseases, such as hepatitis, HIV and more. If these tests are negative, the blood is distributed for use. If any of these tests are positive, the blood donation is discarded. You can read more here: https://www.aabb.org/for-donors-patients/faqs-about-blood-and-blood-donation

@bigbon, I'm so glad that your husband tested negative. I bet waiting for the results was worrisome for both of you. May I ask what extensive surgery your husband had to have? How is he doing now?

My husband had a mitral valve and tricuspid valve replaced. He also had a new pacer maker implanted. The heart surgery itself was a success but when putting him on ECMO, the femoral artery burst. He was given 60 units of blood/plasma during his 19 hour surgery and several more units in the weeks that followed. After 73 days at St Mary's Hospital, 36 days in a rehab facility and 22 days in a short term assisted living center, we hope to have him home in 4 days. He will continue with PT at our home as well as nursing follow up. It's been a very long journey for both of us but he improves daily. We will take the 5 hour drive to head back to Mayo in March to see his surgeon others involved with his care. To get the call about one of the blood donors whom my husband received product testing positive for malaria was a head scratcher for sure. He is a walking miracle for sure!