Washing after Blood Tests

Washing Hands after Blood Tests

In ancient times, bloodletting was a common medical treatment for certain ailments. The Shulchan Aruch states that a person is required to wash their hands afterwards, and discusses what can happen to a person who fails to do so. Washing is not required if a person sustains an injury, chas veshalom, which causes bleeding. Furthermore, according to many opinions this halachah does not apply to a person who has donated blood, and certainly not to someone who had blood drawn for a blood test. This is particularly relevant to individuals who need to test their blood multiple times a day, such as some diabetics checking their insulin levels, or for other medical reasons. If these people would be required to wash their hands each time, it would be quite difficult. Even if an individual wishes to be machmir (stringent) and wash their hands after blood testing, they may touch their food, eat, and drink even before washing their hands.  #307

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Practical Halacha: One minute a day. By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D'asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights.