Boost for blood supply as criteria changes

AUSTRALIAN Red Cross Lifeblood has expanded blood donor eligibility, opening the door for thousands of new donor

Most wait times linked to sexual activity have been removed, meaning many gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can now give blood.

Previously, people in these groups had to wait three months after sex before they could donate plasma. The change means an additional 650,000 Australians are now eligible.

Lifeblood chief executive officer Stephen Cornelissen said they were ready to welcome more donors.

“Over the next 12 months, we estimate an extra 24,000 donors will give plasma, but we know people have been eagerly awaiting these changes and hope to far exceed these numbers,” he said.

Research and modelling were undertaken to ensure the changes would not compromise the safety of Australia’s blood supply.

Further reforms are on the way, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration recently approving a plan to remove gender-based questions for blood and platelet donations. These changes are expected next year and will see all donors asked the same questions, 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 stigma for many and hope today will be a turning point for Lifeblood and the LGBTQIA+ community.”

For more information, visit the Lifeblood website.