Why is the deferral period 12 months?
Statistically, men who have sex with men (MSM) have a higher risk of acquiring blood-borne diseases, infections and viruses. Using protection like a condom can reduce this risk, but it doesn’t eliminate it. That is why we can’t collect blood from men who have had oral or anal sex with men, with or without protection, in the last 12 months. This decision is based on statistical risks for the sexual behaviour that increases the risk of virus transmission.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV)
- Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV)
- Syphilis
- The Northern Ireland Minister of Health announced an end to the lifetime deferral on blood donation by men who have had sex with men, and to move to a twelve-month blood deferral policy. As instructed, NIBTS implemented this change on 1st September 2016. From this date, men who last had sexual contact with another man more than 12 months ago are able to give blood in Northern Ireland if they meet the other blood donor selection criteria.
- Some donors also undergo additional tests e.g. Malaria and Chagas’ disease. For donors who have recently acquired infections, there remains a small possibility that our tests will not be able to pick up the infection. If someone was to donate blood during this time, known as a window period, it would be possible to transmit an infection. Due to the nature of HBV infection it is necessary to allow at least 12 months from any high risk activity before accepting a donation. The change brings the criteria for men who have sex with men in line with other groups that are deferred from blood donation for 12 months due to sexual behaviours. Donor adherence with this and all donor selection criteria is paramount to the safety of the blood supply.
Background information
The Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) advises UK ministers and health departments on the most appropriate ways to ensure the safety of blood, cells, tissues and organs for transfusion/transplantation. SaBTO had previously conducted a review of the blood donor selection criteria which had led to a recommendation to change the deferral period of men who have had sex with men (MSM) from lifetime to 12 months. This recommendation was accepted by three of the UK health ministers and as of 7th November 2011 was operational in England, Wales and Scotland.
On 2nd June 2016 the Northern Ireland Minister of Health announced an end to the lifetime deferral on blood donation by men who have had sex with men, and to move to a twelve-month blood deferral policy. As instructed, NIBTS implemented this change on 1st September 2016. From this date, men who last had sexual contact with another man more than 12 months ago are able to give blood in Northern Ireland if they meet the other blood donor selection criteria.