![where can gay men donate blood where can gay men donate blood](https://www.aidsmap.com/sites/default/files/styles/aidsmap_medium_crop/public/2020-03/blood-donation-article.png)
![where can gay men donate blood where can gay men donate blood](https://www.rainbow-project.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/getimage-42.png)
The current three month deferral uses 'population based risk' and the FAIR work could lead to the use of a more individualised assessment of risk, whilst still maintaining the safety of the blood supply. We want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to donate whilst continuing to ensure the safety of both the blood supply and those patients who receive blood.īlood donation guidelines are set by the Department of Health and Social Care based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO). Currently, a man who has had sex with a man is deferred from donating blood for three months. It is exploring whether there is sufficient evidence to change the current blood donor selection policy. The steering group includes representatives from the four UK blood services, LGBT+ groups, medical and scientific experts, and patient and donor representatives (1). The work has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic but it is progressing and the group plans to submit a report before the end of the year.įAIR (For the Assessment of Individualised Risk) was set up at the beginning of 2019 at the request of the Department of Health and Social Care. The FAIR steering group exploring whether some gay and bisexual men might be able to donate blood without a deferral is still hoping to report its findings before the end of 2020. Collaborative report into evidence on gay and bisexual men and blood donation still due in 2020