FDA loosens constraints on blood donations from MSM, other groups because of COVID-19

The FDA has revised its deferral policy for blood donations by men who have sex with men, or MSM, and their partners, as well as individuals with tattoos and piercings and other groups, in order to help maintain the blood supply during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement from the agency.

The deferral policy has been reduced from 12 months to 3 months for the following groups: male donors who would have been deferred for having sex with another man; female donors who would have been deferred for having sex with a man who had sex with another man and individuals with recent tattoos and piercings.

The revised guidelines also put forth changes to the donation policies for individuals who have traveled to a malaria-endemic area or are residents of malaria nonendemic countries, with a reduction in the deferral period for these groups from 12 months to 3. 

REFERENCE: FDA. Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: FDA provides updated guidance to address the urgent need for blood during the pandemic. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-provides-updated-guidance-address-urgent-need-blood-during-pandemic. Accessed April 5, 2020.