Associated Risks With Sample Donation
Birthing Material Including Umbilical Cord Blood, Umbilical Cord Tissue, Placenta, Amniotic Fluid
No additional risks to you or your baby beyond those of the planned procedure or birthing plan. Collection of Cord Blood and Cord Tissue is painless and completed after birth when no longer attched to you or your baby. Your Placenta is collected after delivery when no longer attched. With these sample types, the only risk is sample viability. There is no risk to you or your baby.
Amniotic Fluid will be collected due to a clinically indicated need for an amniotomy (artificial breaking of water during the birthing process). Associated risks with this clinical procedure will be discussed by a Midwife or Doctor.
Blood Collection by Leukapheresis (Leukopak)
Leukapheresis maybe uncomfortable as it involves having collection tubes put in the veins of your arms. The procedure itself takes a few hours and involves your blood traveling through the cell separator which removes the white blood cells. There are some common side effects associated with the procedure itself including hypocalcaemia, dizziness, dryness of the mouth, irritability, reduced urine output, hypotension and week pulse, due to loss of calcium, erythrocytes and platelets during the procedure.
These side effects are reversible through for example supplementation of calcium or suspension of the procedure. Some other complications include anaemia, unusual or excessive bleeding and allergic reactions. You may experience a pin prick sensation during the initial insertion of the collection device (needle) into your skin. It is possible that patients will experience discomfort during and immediately after the procedure. This usually settles quite quickly. Bruising or a small lump (haematoma) may develop after taking a sample of blood Our clinical team will always aim to minimise any risk to your health.
Bone Marrow
No additional risk to you beyond those of the planned procedure. These associated risks will be discussed with you by the treating Medical and/or Surgical Team
Breast Milk
No risk to donor, however some women may experience some discomfort during the process of expressing breast milk.
Cerebral Spinal Fluid
No additional risk to you beyond those of the planned procedure. These associated risks will be discussed with you by the treating Medical and/or Surgical Team
Lochia, Vaginal Bleeding Following Birth
No additional risk to you when using a sanitary pad or similar device if hygene is maintained. Internal collection methods should not be used for 6 weeks post birth due to possiblity of increased discomfort and infection.
Menstrual Blood
There is no risk to collecting menstrual blood, however you may have difficulty with insertion and removal of a menstrual cup. Also the cup may cause vaginal irritation and has been shown is small number of cases to cause infection and Toxic Shock Syndrome. Please discuss with a healthcare professional if using an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device before inserting the cup provided. The cup should not be used during treatment for vaginal infections.
Lochia will be collected by use of a sanitary pad
Blood collected for post-menopausal bleeding will be part of the 2-week referral pathway
Molar Teeth
No risk pertaining to sample collection if teeth naturally fall out and correct dentisty follow up care sought if required. Forced removal of molar teeth can lead to permanent gum damage, nerve damage, abscesses or infections and could cause psychological trauma. BioGrad will not condone forced removal of molar teeth for the sole purpose of sample collection and any sample received will be inspected for signs of forced removal or trauma.
For surgical removal, there are no additional risks for you beyond those of the planned procedure. These will be explained to you in full before the procedure by the treating Dentist.
Peripheral Blood
You may experience a pin prick sensation during the initial insertion of the collection device (needle) into your skin. It is possible that patients will experience discomfort during and immediately after the procedure. This usually settles quite quickly, but if it continues you should tell the attending medical professional. Bruising or a small lump (haematoma) may develop after taking a sample of blood. Applying firm pressure to the site until the bleeding has stopped should help to minimise this. Bruising is harmless and will disappear with time and does not usually require treatment.
Post-Menopausal Vaginal Bleeding
Post-menopausal bleeding is not normal and prior to donating this should be reviewed by your General Practioner to ensure is safe to do so. There is no risk to collecting post-menopausal blood, however you may have difficulty with insertion and removal of a menstrual cup. Also the cup may cause vaginal irritation and has been shown is small number of cases to cause infection and Toxic Shock Syndrome. Please discuss with a healthcare professional if using an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device before inserting the cup provided. The cup should not be used during treatment for vaginal infections.
Blood collected for post-menopausal bleeding will be part of the 2-week referral pathway.
Rectal or Stoma Swab
There is a risk to you of irritation, trauma, infection, minor bleeding, you may find the collection process uncomfortable, risk of ingestion of sample preservative if you do not follow instructions correctly.
Saliva
No risks to you however you may find the collection process difficult and risk of ingestion of sample preservative if you do not follow instructions correctly.
Surplus Tissue Following Surgery
No additional risk to you beyond those of the planned procedure. These associated risks will be discussed with you by the treating Medical and/or Surgical Team
Surplus Tissue Following a Biopsy
No additional risk to you beyond those of the planned procedure. These associated risks will be discussed with you by the treating Medical and/or Surgical Team
Throat and Nasal Swabs
There is the risk of trauma to your nose and throat, you may find the collection process uncomfortable, risk of ingestion of sample preservative if you do not follow instructions correctly.
Urine
There are no risks to collecting a urine sample however you may find the collection process difficult. If you have a catheter there maybe an increased risk of infection.
Vaginal Swab
There is a risk of vaginal irritation, trauma, infection, discomfort, risk of ingestion of sample preservative if you do not follow instructions correctly.
Wisdom Teeth
There are no additional risks for you beyond those of the planned procedure. These will be explained to you in full before the procedure by the treating Dentist.
