LIFELINE Blood Services announces changes in blood donor regulations
due to recent FDA (Food and Drug Administration’s) revisions
of policies concerning the eligibility of blood donors. LIFELINE Blood Services
announced that some members of our community who were
deferred from giving blood in the past, may now be able to donate blood again thanks to
advancements in testing technology and further scientific study.
For example, there is not a deferral for those who spent any time on a military base in the
United Kingdom or Europe. In addition, there is no longer a deferral for time spent in
Europe (except for those who have spent five years or more in France and Ireland
between 1980 and 2001). The following blood donor deferral times have been shortened
to three months: travel to Malaria risk areas, receipt of a blood transfusion, accidental
blood exposure, participation in high risk behaviors.
The FDA’s recent actions will allow many individuals to be
able to donate blood again, and this is great news for patients who need
blood and those who have been unable to participate in this life-giving service.