Can I refuse blood work?

uncjules · May 2010

Early in my pregnancy, doc's office tested me for HIV, which I totally understand. At my last visit, I was told they would do another HIV test at today's appt. Um, why? If my last test was negative, this one will be, too. Can I refuse it, or is there some sort of law that says I have to have it done?

Sidenote: I know that some of you will say, "Oh, what's the big deal? Just let them take the blood." But, I have horribly small, hard to find veins and I'm tired of having my blood checked at almost all of my appts (they've been watching my thyroid, but said they're done checking it until after I deliver).

dbertagni · May 2010

They test you again because you *could* have been infected during pregnancy, it is state law I believe that they do that check, but I am sure you can refuse, it is your body. Obviously you know you haven't been infected, but they have to do the check for the safety of the baby.

alchris · May 2010

I know with DD I was offered at my first appt., along with a dozen other things, and I declined HIV -- it wasn't an issue at all. Unless something has changed -- my first OB appt. isn't until next week -- I don't see why you'd have to get it once, let alone twice. Good luck.

jenwill · May 2010

I'm thinking its one of those labs required by state law but not sure. So I'm not sure what would happen if you refused it...

uncjules · May 2010

jenwill:
I'm thinking its one of those labs required by state law but not sure. So I'm not sure what would happen if you refused it...

That's what I was afraid of. Sad Like DBert said, as far as they're considered I *could* have been infected, but I'm pretty darn certain I haven't been.

I know I should just suck it up, but I'm such a baby about these things!

dbertagni · May 2010

I remember that really well and them saying that about the HIV, and me knowing I didn't have it or was not infected, it is annoying, just like the being tested with the anal swab for Group B stret, I got out of that because I already tested positive on my very first visit and they tried to do it, and I talked my way out of it. I don't miss visiting the OBGYN every week. You're almost done!!

alchris · May 2010

jenwill:
I'm thinking its one of those labs required by state law but not sure. So I'm not sure what would happen if you refused it...

Has that changed? I remember being told I could decline HIV and the CF screening and I declined both with DD.

uncjules · May 2010

I just found this info on the Healthy Start website:

North Carolina law requires that:

A pregnant woman be tested for HIV at one of her prenatal checkups unless she refuses
A new mother be tested at delivery if she was not tested during pregnancy
The baby be tested when born before the mother leaves the hospital, if the mother still refuses test for herself.

Since I've been tested once, I think I'm in the clear. YAY!

And, yes, I should have just Googled to start! Smile

dbertagni · May 2010

Yay! Once is enough, especially if you are in a healthy, normal relationship. You should see the questions they ask when you donate your cord blood!! Good luck refusing, I am sure they won't have an issue.

sms297 · May 2010

You can't... it is a Duke hospital requirement. Actually you could but then they would test the baby after she's born. So one of you is going to be stuck... I'd rather me than the baby.

ETA: Duke requires the 2nd test right before birth.

hgunter · May 2010

dbertagni:
I remember that really well and them saying that about the HIV, and me knowing I didn't have it or was not infected, it is annoying, just like the being tested with the anal swab for Group B stret, I got out of that because I already tested positive on my very first visit and they tried to do it, and I talked my way out of it. I don't miss visiting the OBGYN every week. You're almost done!!

Side Note: omg. I didn't know the GBS test was an anal swab! I have mine next week. Tongue Tied

uncjules · May 2010

hgunter:

dbertagni:
I remember that really well and them saying that about the HIV, and me knowing I didn't have it or was not infected, it is annoying, just like the being tested with the anal swab for Group B stret, I got out of that because I already tested positive on my very first visit and they tried to do it, and I talked my way out of it. I don't miss visiting the OBGYN every week. You're almost done!!

Side Note: omg. I didn't know the GBS test was an anal swab! I have mine next week.

I have mine today. Between that and the blood work, I think I'm going to be traumatized!

uncjules · May 2010

sms297:

You can't... it is a Duke hospital requirement. Actually you could but then they would test the baby after she's born. So one of you is going to be stuck... I'd rather me than the baby.

ETA: Duke requires the 2nd test right before birth.

Bummer. I knew I should have just delivered at UNC! Smile

I appreciate you letting me know. Better start guzzling water so they can find my veins!

unc00ref · May 2010

I also wanted to refuse b/c I know I don't have HIV. But my OB/GYN told me that if I refused the bloodwork, that they were required to test the baby while in the hospital after delivery. I didn't want my baby to undergo any extra testing/poking/proding/etc so I just did it.

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