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Applies to England, Scotland and Wales only. Donors and staff in Northern Ireland see Homosexual and Bisexual Individuals-N.I.
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1. Female
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Discretionary
Accept.
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Additional Information
There is no evidence that there is an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections in homosexual or bisexual females compared to heterosexual females.
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Update Information
This entry was last updated in:
DSG-WB Edition 203, Release 01.
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Reason for Change
This is a new entry, combining the previous entries for 'Homosexual' and 'Bisexual' individuals. 'Additional Information' has been added.
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2. Male
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Obligatory
Must not donate if:
Has had oral or anal sex with another man, even if a condom or other protective was used.
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Discretionary
If 12 months or more from the last oral or anal sexual contact with another man, accept
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See if Relevant
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Additional Information
Men who have sex with other men have a higher chance of having an undiagnosed infection which could be passed to anyone receiving their blood. During 2010 and 2011, SaBTO commissioned a subgroup to review the donor selection criteria and risks associated with blood donation by men who have had sex with men.
This review considered advances in the sensitivity of testing procedures currently in use in the UK, the prevalence of transfusion transmissible infections in men who have had sex with men, and the current level of compliance with the permanent exclusion. This review recommended that the deferral period for men who have had sex with men should be reduced to 12 months after last sexual contact. The recommendations were approved by SaBTO and by the English Department of Health and the devolved authorities in Scotland, and Wales.
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Information
This is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005.
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Update Information
This entry was last updated in:
DSG-WB Edition 203, Release 09.
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Reason for Change
The guidance has been changed in line with recommendations from the Department of Health Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO).
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3. Female Sexual Partners of Men who have Sex with Men
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Obligatory
Must not donate if:
Male partner has had oral or anal sex with another man, even if a condom or other protective was used.
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Discretionary
If 12 months or more from the last sexual contact with a man who has ever had sex with another man, accept. There are exceptions so please ask.
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See if Relevant
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Additional Information
Men who have sex with other men have a higher chance of having an undiagnosed infection which could be passed to their female partner.
Waiting twelve months from the last sexual contact helps to ensure that the infections tested for by the Blood Services will be picked up.
There may be exceptions for female partners of men who have had sex with men. They may be allowed to donate on the basis of an individual risk assessment.
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Information
This is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005.
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Update Information
This entry was last updated in:
DSG-WB Edition 203, Release 09.
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Reason for Change
The guidance has been changed in line with recommendations from the Department of Health Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO).
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Donor Information
If you wish to obtain more information regarding a personal medical issue please contact your National Help Line.
Please do not contact this web site for personal medical queries, as we are not in a position to provide individual answers.
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