Status of Nida if blood found on pad

Question

If I discover blood on a white pad that I have placed in my underwear, does this situation mean that I am considered a nida according to halacha, or are there specific factors regarding the type of pad or the circumstances that might influence my status?

Answer:

Indeed, this matter is debated amongst the Gedolei Haposkim of today with the core of the debate being on whether pads are defined as a vessel that can contract impurity. Some hold that pads in general do not contract impurity and hence blood found in the pad is not an issue and does not deem a woman a Nida. Others however argue that pads are considered able to contract impurity and hence if the siding is larger than the size of a dime, Gris, then she is impure. Others differentiate between the type of pad that was used with some being deemed able to contract impurity, hence deeming the woman a Nida, and some being deemed as unable to contract impurity, hence deeming the woman as pure. Accordingly, any woman who sees blood on a pad which is larger than the size of a dime is to speak to a Rav for a final ruling.

It is of importance to note that the above issue was only when the pad is white, however, if one is using a black or colored pad, regardless she would be considered pure. Likewise, in the not uncommon eventuality that she also finds blood on her skin, she is deemed impure irrelevant of the question on the pad. All this information can and should be brought to a Rav for final arbitration.

It is also important to note that due to the above reason, questionable pads should not be used while she is in a state of purity unless the pads are black or of another color and not white or are surrounded by plastic or paper, in order to avoid becoming impure for no reason.

Sources: See Taharah Kehalacha 4:9 and 12 [differentiates between types of pads]; Shaareiy Taharah; Badei Hashulchan; Sefer Puah Vol. 1 13 pp. 153-154; Shut Puah Taharas Hamishpacha pp. 149-165 Machmirim by all pads: Darkei Taharah 2:21 of Rav Mordechai Eliyahu; Rav Elyashiv; Shevet Halevi; Chut Hashani; Matirim by all pads: Nitei Gavriel 73:6; Minchas Asher 2:62-63; Rav Farkash [depending on pad]; Rav O. Yosef in Taharas Habayis 1:405 and Mayan Omer 7:79; Rav SZ”A in Kuntrius Pinyanei Haotzer

Summary: Nida Status if Blood is Found on a Pad

• The halachic status of finding blood on a white pad is debated—some authorities consider the pad able to contract impurity, making one a Nida, while others do not.
• If the blood spot is larger than a dime, a rabbinic authority should be consulted for a final ruling.
• Blood found on colored pads (like black) generally does not render one a Nida.
• If blood is also found on the skin, Nida status applies regardless of the pad.
• It is best to avoid using questionable pads during purity unless they are colored or covered with plastic/paper, to prevent unnecessary impurity.

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