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Something I have not seen discussed much, but think is a hot topic amongst the vampire is feeding safety. This is namely for those who partake of blood. Due to blood has many potential risks to it even in the slightest amount is it not our responsibility to teach the young how to be as safe as possible in our culture. I believe each donor should have a blood screening to assure there is no disease in the blood. Also drinking too much blood can be dangerous and cause some serious affects to the partaker. My question is how many of us actually practice safety when feeding and what types of steps do you take to assure your being safe. Also what would you suggest to the younger vampire to keep themselves safe as well?

The first thing is that blood is a biohazard, and contact with it is dangerous. Then I would caution against what many think is the way to take blood from someone, and that is biteing and sucking. That is also dangerous to the doner, as an infection caused by a human bite is probable as the human mouth filled with bacterial pathogens. Cutting the doner with a very sharp scalpel and sucking the blood is the most common procedure, but can also lead to infection and a visit to the ER if the laceration is too deep or a vein is opened and bleeding cannot be controled.
The amount of blood taken is always up to debate because there are so many "authoritative" guestimates as to volume. My own research indicates as much as a pinnt of blood may be taken, however individuals tolerence may vary due to mostly psychological reasons. As a footnote, many of those who took blood in the past, and called themselves Vampyres, have now stated that the practice is just too dangerous, and have abandoned the practice. Those who are familiar with the Black Veil, a set of guidelines for Vampyres written in the late 90s and widely circulated, may want to review the latest version which forbids the practice of taking blood, and promotes psychic means for drawing energy.
It is still up to the individuals involved in the practice to be well informed, mutually accepting of their roles, and responsible for the a very dangerous practice.

Blood Borne Pathagens! Know your donor. Nuf' said.

If you are gonna do it, go to the health clinic and find out how to get a blood test done for hiv/aids and hep.

I am of the opinion, anything dealing with blood from unfamilar people is a hazard. You wind up with blood born pathogenic diseases. Someone said STDs. STDs are sexually transmitted Diseases, you can only get them through having SEX.

You can also get a STD from the blood as well, if its in the blood and you drink it or it gets in to your system, you still get it. I don't feed on blood for the fact, I'm to scared of getting AIDS, from someone I don't know.

well, i think that people who are seriously considering a vampyric life should look into it and a very popular item is the vampire codex. the codex outlines a very sensible approach to blood feeding. you NEED to know your donor and you need to be tested for any illnesses that could be transmitted.

Where would the codex be found?

Testing for blood is not enough. I will say this and some will get upset but unless you are fully a pure energy taking vampyric then you stake your life on catching something. Both men and women can carry viruses that are associated with cancer especially cervical cancer. A male cannot be tested for this as of yet so I would say...use female donors only at this time because they can test women. Be sure they have all the test including a pap test. No one in their right mind in the community would bite. We all know its painful and can create a nasty scar...anyone who does that is irresponsible and reading too many vampire novels.
Pathogens can be found in any bodily fluid. Its supposedly about the energy in the blood and not the blood itself...if you get off on it then its probably a fetish and some can be confused with that. There are certain people that say it goes way back and they say some use to drink blood and were cannibals as well but society changes and people no matter what they are adapt to the times and change too. No vampyric will die without blood. Energy is made up of calories. Calories are energy units...any energy has calories and it appears vampyrics are at a higher vibration needing more than 1600 calories a day which is the minimum for a human, even though the average person takes in about 2400. Many vampyrics are heavy because they tend to overeat due to energy deprivation. This appears to be fact but I cannot cite studies other than surveys on this and there is a science basis to believe this to probably be reasonable deduction. Other than that at this point its a theory like most everything else.
I have posted safe practices here before as this topic was brought up previously months ago. I posted some written by people in the community. It is not a good thing to post it because of the ages in here with some being under 18.

my ex has been a nurse for 10 years. And he told me that biting and blood both can lead to Hepatitis. lord knows what diseases and viruses people carry. I honestly wouldn't recommend drinking blood period. because even a test can miss a "new virus" someone may have, and the world not know about. Far too risky for me!

I want to say something else...the Black Veil was created by Michelle Belanger and Father Sebastian. They are only guidelines and the one version being spoken about is NOT for the whole of the community but only for Sebastian's group. They are lifestylers...some have told the New York Times all they are, are weekenders. Some don't believe in vampyres and just dress up. Only newbies follow these things or think the community does en masse. Many create their own guidelines for their own groups but no one takes Sebastian as some guru of the vampyre community. In fact in many cases just the opposite. He is an entrepreneur that makes his money off of hosting balls and other activities and some associated with the fetish community. He makes fangs because he has a dentistry background and it proved to make him a lot of money. Many have written books but it is just their opinions from personal experiences they have had. Please don't take everything to be fact you read on the internet. Many will bring up the Vampire Bible and that was written by Temple of the Vampire and it is only for them. They believe blood drinking is an abomination of those who are unevolved literally. It is a vampire religion and they do not drink blood nor do they allow anyone into their group that does. The average person can drink only about a shot glass full. Blood is an emetic and you will throw up. Only thirty percent of the population according to studies can drink more. I believe the study was done in association with cannibalism.

Both donors get screened throughly and just know your partner don't feed off some random person

I agree with DarkxWhisper. To even try drinking blood is silly. There are way too many consequences to consider.

The most important thing I think is that you trust your donors aways use the same ones.

yes, i seriously think you should be very good friends with your donor first before you even think of feeding from them. and even then, i believe you should be able to know your personal life of your donor. get the screened and do it monthly. know who they encounter sexually, if they used a condom, and what not. i personally only take blood from my mate because we are both completely clean and i know we're not having affairs...

My mates and I now do the drink as more of a symbolic Covenant and use a good red wine. If you really neeed the iron and protien than grab a prime rib at a good steak joint. I have hemophilia and I can atest to the uselessness of the blood test. Any STD can be contracted by blood. It's a body fluid and exchanging them is just ignorant and really inconsiderate of your partner.

Anyone that knows about bloodletting knows that needles are a razor is used to draw the blood. Biting should never be done it make both people very sick.

true, Belanger's guidelines aren't for everyone, but they're a pretty good general outline that could be applied to everyone.

STDs are not blood born. They are sexually transmitted diseases and while Aids is both a blood born and an STD, it is considered more a blood born. Herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichymonous, syphilis those are types of STDs and you can not get them through the blood.

For Information on what a blood born disease is and an std is you can look it up here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood-borne_disease

http://www.cdc.gov/STD/

i think the most important thing is to know your donor and make sure they're "clean" and that they are willing to participate. i once had someone who wanted me to be their donor and tried to force me into it, it wasn't pleasant.

that's pretty messed up, cause the most important thing to think about when feeding on blood is to be respectful towards your donor and respect his/her wishes.

darkXwhisper: On the hepatitis comment.

Biting does not have to be involved when it comes to Hepatitis C. It is transferred blood to blood.

1) It is important to think about how your practices might result in blood transfer between you and your partner, then take steps to reduce these risks, i.e., do not share needles, blades or other equipment. Ensure all equipment is sterile.

2) Even rashes and other skin conditions such as eczema can create openings for blood-to-blood contact, so be aware of any openings or sores around your mouth or other regions of your body before engaging in such activities.

Regarding Hepatitis A & B, you might consider getting a Hepatitis AB vaccine.

psivampire, very good points. i've actually know people who got vaccinated for more things in anticipation and in precaution.

Risks to the Drinker
There exists the risk of drinking too much. This can result in Iron overdose, (possibly) Toxic Porphyria, and bloody stools. Moderation should always be the key. You may want to drink two or three times a week, but it is far better to limit yourself to what you need. This cuts back on all the above mentioned problems to you and your donor.

i feed off my husbena nd he feeds off me we never go to out siders for it the danger and risk are to high this way we know we are bouth clean

once you have found the person you want to feed off of I would get them checked for diseases and such.

my basic advice is always this:

when drinking someone's blood know them and the risks, read all guidelines and warnings first, all else comes from research and experience

true proper screening and constant screening are a must,and while the traditional ideas of biting for blood lead to all sorts of possibilities stay away from the casual donor

well first of all STD is not ONLY contracted through sex.. I work in the medical field in the LAB and blood carries Aids, syphllis, and many other STD's that are in the blood stream. when a female has sex they always bleed alittle you may not know it yet the little veins in the vagina tear and bleed everytime a female has sex which then will infect her blood etc. Ok enough STD 101. LOL

I feel if you feed then you should always know if your donors blood is clean or not, even from drugs ... there are so many things out there that people do not even know that are in the blood and can get into the blood just by causal things.

I myself is aways be Informed and be cautious in whatever you do when it comes to feeding and do not ever feed from someone unless they have been checked.. just my opinion and med. knowledge on the whole feeding thing

I agree with all the comments in this post, they are very informative. To put it simple to those who consider feeding on blood it is a high risk activity. Even with the testing for BBP or STD’s being completed there is always the potential for something to be missed or overlooked during a test. I would say also if you do feed on blood it is only fair to inform those who you have relationships with of the potential high risk life you live. It is only fair to them, to be honest, if you’re taking a chance, anyone who has contact with you is also taking that chance. In all cases cover your bases and be a s safe as possible if this is the choice of path you choose to follow.

I say safety first, screen screen screen, Get medical exams if you get a donor..Think before you drink.. LOL

def. should look into getting a full time donor, random people can get you arrested.

As a non-blood consumer I have to say I'm glad that such precautions are taken and that this is a high priority in this community. I have learned a lot about blood consumption and the measures taken from reading this forum.

bllod feeding and safety i believe should always go together,one should find out the history of their donor partner and if they are at risk from being infected from any bacteria or other kind of ailments from feeding on them

if you do the math, use your brain and think for a sec.

blood test cost less then ending up in the ER or in a coffin.

So go to the clinic, have the donor tested, get tested yourself ( never know)

Once you get the green then proceed

As to bite to drink blood I do not recommend it, since it is medicaly proven that a bite will get the wound infect du to the contact of the mouth germ in the saliva when it is a deep wound making contact with blood.

Proof? If you get into a fight and you punch the mouth ending up with bite marks on your fist, you will get your hand infected badly.

So safe safe safe safe

Do I need to repeat?

Safe.

i also not only think its important to use safety when feeding on your donor but also it is very important to use safety on the tools that are used to drink sang from the donor be it a blade a serenge or whatnaught.

Blood drinking obviously has a lot of risks involved. Diseases and virus' and such. Not to mention the fact ingesting too much blood causes the stomach to become sick.


If this question involved the mythological vampire, no health risk would be involved [to the vampire] since they're considered undead.

I agree you must use your brain before you drain!! Should be a vampire donor motto.. Brain before you drain!!

I agree with ~Mollidew~, since most in the vampire community are lifers and roleplayers, then I would suggest staying with the gimmick of being a "psi-vamp" for your own safety. Leave the "blood letting" to the adults of whom need not ask these common sense questions. Since they are wise enough to know better in the first place...Nuff said.

No, I am not disputing the fact that most claim to be "baby vamps" as a few may term the "noobs" to the "subculture", I am basically telling the youngsters not to mess with something they know very little to nothing about.

You are not immortal, nor untouchable. Anything can and will harm or kill you. Use your head.

yeah i think anything that we consume that is in anothers body before ours so to speak should be taken with great caution,it's not like we know what is safe in blood? as i am sure there are people who will lie and say they are okay to feed from and may not be...

YOU NEED to know your donor and you need to be tested for any illnesses that could be transmitted.

Knowing the donar isn't really important. If the person is clean you need not know them.

I consider a test is not so bad, think about it, 1 needle wait a bit and voila! You get the answer if it is safe or not.

Plus once you cross the line if there is any disease well...you can NEVER go back.

It is a point of no return so use your BRAIN.

Surely, the person much be screened because the risk of things like AIDS and hepatitis and whatever is too great. But has anyone ever thought of the attack your mortal body goes through when you mix blood types? Anatomy 101, antigens and antibodies don't mix.


Starr

I am so very impressed....this topic has fronted numerous times on this site, and the first few times I saw much unhealthy false information, presented by a few individuals who made claims of being emergency response techs....so they "would know"
this time around, the information is clear concise, well researched, and safe....
my faith in the forums may be saved yet

me persanaly if you crave blood like i some times do i just buy a beef steak and cook it medium rare or jusy go down to the
local meat store or butcher and buy a pint or gallon what ever you choice to buy.
doing this is a hella lot safer then getting from some one.
its using your brain.
plus its taster.

If you are going to feed on blood it is best to find one droner that you know is clean. Get blood testing done with that person and then share your results. That will build up the trust you will need to be able to share blood.

Just like with other exchanges of bodily fluids it would be safest to stay with that one person when feeding.

That just my opinion anyway.

Better safe than sorry!
Know your donor. Know their history (medical and whatnot.)
No point in getting some disease when you don't have to.

i feel that even if one is taking precautions and being safe to a point that there will still be a risk and a chance of being infected with something that is unwanted.

I am very picky who I feed from. Basically there is only 2 people I feed from & I know that they are both clean healthwise. But, I still go every year & have a Aids test done. For the younger person I would say to just be sure you know the person pretty well that you are feeding from.

Wow. I wouldn't ever drink blood. I'm not a vampire and I don't claim to be. I don't think that drinking blood makes you a vampire either. Just blood lust. (blood fetish) Who donates blood for people to drink??? I still wouldn't even after it's been screened. Reason being you don't know where they've been. they could be carrying some unknown virus and you are drinking it...

sex is not the only way to get std's some can be transmitted through blood not just aids. Some std's can be transmitted by saliva. Some std's can be transmitted by kissing. Some can even be transmitted by skin to skin contact. There is no absolute safe way to have sex or drink blood and they are both similar in risk. By taking precautions you can reduce the risks but not eliminate them. Both parties getting tested regularly is VERY important. Bathing with soap and water immediately before hand also a good way to help reduce risk. This next tip will probably surprise you though. do NOT brush your teeth within 2hrs before hand. Brushing your teeth right before drinking blood or kissing opens a direct path to your blood stream through your gums. If you have or suspect you have an ulcer drinking blood is very risky again because of a direct path to the blood stream. If you have any piercings in your mouth or lips drinking blood is more risky for you especially if they are recent. If you've had any dental work done you should make sure it's fully healed before drinking blood. Both parties should be healthy and feeling well at the time, meaning you shouldn't have a cold or even just not feeling well as your immune system is not at full strength at times like that. Using rubbing alcohol to clean the area before hand is NOT recommended as it can be poisonous to the one drinking. Both parties should be completely sober to reduce the risk of accidental injury and ensure consent. Both parties should also be at least of age of consent, since minors can not give consent legally. Biting or sucking to cause the blood flow should NEVER be done. A bite from a human is more dangerous than a bite from a dog. The safest way I know of is with a diabetic lancet & lancet tool. This way you can ensure a sterile item each time. They are also cheap, easily disposed of, very little pain, very discrete and leave absolutely no scarring. Unless you have an autoclave a scalpel is not very practical. A knife is almost impossible to get sharp enough and is not sterile. Razor blades would be the 2nd safest though still very risky as long as you always use a new one but after you use the 1st 1 the rest are NOT 100% sterile. Other precautions with a razor blade be very careful not to make deep or long cuts, also stay far away from veins and arteries. If you use a razor blade you will also want to put an antibiotic cream and band-aid on the cut immediately after you finish drinking. Remember the 1st step is know trust and test yourself and your partner. Oh another good idea is to have a safety word and signal so your donor can let you know if something is wrong and you need to stop.

I can't believe people would actually do it. It's just a psychosexual thing anyway. But jeez, you gotta be insane to do it. I mean, it's soo dangerous in this day and age, to everyone involved. Hell, I wouldn't want it ON me, not to mention IN me! Dudes, come on.....I am guessing this is mainly kids trying to look cool and dark and shit. haha.......and irresponsible........and.......

Can never stress enough to trust the person first.

Jamie: It's not really any more dangerous than unprotected sex if you take a few simple precautions and people do that every day. Any time there is physical contact between two people there is risk involved. Many things (including some that can kill you) can be transferred even through a simple handshake.

On the trust issue: Its not a matter of just blindly trusting someone but knowing you can trust them and knowing them very well. Even with that trust you still have to get tested because a person can be infected with something and not know it.

Wolvie, you might want to make clear some parts of that.


Like 'there is no safe way to have sex'. That's untrue in many cases.

I agree 100% I myself do not consume blood but its just a good point to this thread that safety must be taken.

You definitely want to make sure the blood is clean and has been tested. You should also take care in not consuming too much at one time.

UTAHVAMP:

I absolutely agree. Ensuring safe feeding is an absolute necessity. It is especially important that those of us in position to assist those who are just awakening to learn safe feeding. The first step in safe feeding is getting to know your donor. Because the donor/feeder relationship is such a personal relationship, it is not one we should enter lightly. The second step in safe feeding is to test, test, test. This applies to both donor and feeder, by the way. So often, we see people say they have their donors tested, but do they do the same for their donors. For the most part, this is an exchange of bodily fluids as quite a few people feed by cutting and drinking directly from that cut. And it should be frequent testing - everyone 3 to 6 months, I would say. And as you pointed out, simple guidelines as to how much to take should be included in any discussion of safe feeding. While different people need different amounts of energy, there is only so much blood our bodies can take or that our donors can spare.

I follow the above steps to ensure safe feeding on the rare occasion I do use a blood feeding. There are also some steps one can take to ensure other styles of feeding are safe, but that is not the question you posed here.

Best thing is to get tested. And not just once. Get tested like once a month or so.

If not, you are just running the risk of catching something like everyone else is saying.

People need to get away from thinking that everything Sebastian Van Houten writes speaks for the whole of the vampyre community because it does NOT nor does the Black Veil in its many forms.

There have been at least been two other threads on this topic. I once posted safety guidelines but I feel and still do that is sketchy on a site that has people under 18 to give any advice. We have no parental approval. Basically use common sense. No one promotes biting and it is frowned upon and nowadays blood carries so many beasties in it that many cannot be tested for and especially in males. I have said before unless you have been with someone for a long time...get a female and not a male donor. As for the particulars I will not put anything like that up here. I am sure people are not testing for heavy metals in the blood either...this is another thing. Our world is polluted and whatever you eat if it has pollutants you will find in the bodily fluids. It is at your own risk. Drinking blood in and of itself is a choice and shouldn't be labeled bad because people have been doing it for centuries but now in this time it is really quite dangerous it is true. Most who are older know all the ins and outs. Young people I don't know what to tell you, quite frankly I think they shouldn't start but some things cannot be avoided due to need. All I can say about others is they are suspect that they ever needed it.

Like said earlier GET THEM TESTED and test yourself as well!! Other wise your going to get some kind of disease!!! that simple

Something some one told me once, and it stays with me forever.

"Believe everyone is HIV positive, until you see an up to date, result of a blood screening"

can you guys rate my profile and my portfolio? please. if you do message me and let me know you did so i can do the same.

blood test, ive only drank blood from 1 person (after they got tested) just know ur donor, and take care of the wound.

I do not drink blood but i agree with a lot of you know the one you will be drinking from and make sure they was tested and are clean of things that could cost you your life .

mmm well i know if i want blood i just go to the market or butcher and i jusy buy a pint or galon of blood.
at least i know its safe pluse i would boil it first before drinking it.by boiling the blood it kills any bad bacteria that might be there.

does boiling the blood change the taste ???

# 1 priority blood tests
worried about feeding to much and getting sick....
better worry about staying alive....

I've never heard of boiling the blood thats an interesting idea
Wouldn't the taste be different?

Too risky in my humble opinion. Bacterias, viruses, drugs, alchohol, etc, basically anything in your bloodstream get be transferred.

I don't drink blood and don't plan to...but I agree...get tested...be clean...then do what you must...know the person...dont just pick some random ass off the street...eww..

unknown diseases as well cus if there is no cure you are escreweddddd