Lifeblood removes some blood donation restrictions

AUSTRALIAN Red Cross Lifeblood has removed most sexual activity wait times for plasma donations, a rule change that widens the amount of people eligible to help save lives.

Previously, donor rules meant that many LGBTQIA+ and sex worker communities were unable to donate plasma if they had sex within the past three months.

It also meant people on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) were unable to donate plasma within three months of taking the medication.

The changes came into effect on Monday last week.

Plasma, which is the ‘liquid gold’ part of the blood, has become the most needed donation type in Australia, with treatment for more than 50 medical conditions relying on its supply.

With this update to donor rules, around 625,000 Australians are now eligible to donate plasma. Lifeblood anticipates an additional 95,000 donations a year may now be possible.

Lifeblood chief executive officer Stephen Cornelissen expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support by the community.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming many more people into our donor centres,” he said.

“Importantly, today’s change will allow those on PrEP to become the first in the world to donate plasma without a wait period.”

Mr Cornelissen said patient safety was Lifeblood’s top priority, and that extensive research and modelling had occurred to ensure that the safety of Australia’s blood supply is not compromised.

Further amendments will also be made, with Lifeblood progressing changes to blood and platelets donation eligibility.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approved a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules. This means that gender-neutral assessments are set to be introduced in 2026, so that all donors will be asked the same questions about sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality.

“These two changes are underpinned by research and evidence that demonstrate safety, and together, will allow the greatest number of people to donate blood and plasma,” Mr Cornelissen said.

“While the rules were put in place to ensure a safe blood supply in the past, we know they have contributed to the stigma faced by many and hope today will be a turning point for Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community and that people will feel welcome to come forward to donate their life-saving plasma.”

To book a time to donate, phone 13 14 95, head to lifeblood.com.au or downloading the Donate Blood app.

BY TIMES NEWS GROUP