1. Why exclude those who have only merely LIVED in those places since 1977 without any sexual contact? Does HIV spread through the air we breathe in those places?

2. Why exclue Cameroon, Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana that are all contiguous countries in the same geographical zone of West Africa? What makes those countries chosen peculiar?

3. When will modern medicine be advanced enough to be able to screen out infected blood from all the ones already donated?

4. Can anyone really seriously tell me that this is not discrimination on some fundamental level meriting a loud and sustained protest all around the country?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. The virus can be transmitted through blood transfusion, so all donor programs are required to question donors about possible HIV exposure, and to test donated blood for this virus.

There is a rare form of HIV called Type O that is found in western Africa. The available tests for HIV do not always detect the Type O strain. This means that blood programs must take special precautions to keep this virus out of the blood supply by not taking blood donations from those who have been where the virus is found.

Persons who were born in or lived in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Niger and Nigeria since 1977 cannot be blood donors. The Food and Drug Administration, which is responsible for supervising the safety of the American blood supply, put this requirement in place in 1996. The requirement applies to all blood donation programs, including that of the American Red Cross. The list of countries with HIV Type O risk is based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) where experts monitor infections worldwide.

It is possible that the tests used to screen donated blood may someday be improved so that they detect Type O HIV. If so, these donation restrictions may be removed.

Emphases, mine.

You’ve already given blood in the last 12 weeks (normally, you must wait 16 weeks).

You have a chesty cough, sore throat or active cold sore.

You’re currently taking antibiotics or you have just finished a course within the last seven days or have had any infection in that last two weeks.

You’ve had hepatitis or jaundice in the last 12 months.

You’ve had a tattoo, semi-permanent make up or any cosmetic treatments that involves skin piercing in the last 6 months.

You’ve had acupuncture in the last 6 months, unless this was done by the NHS or a regesitered doctor or nurse.

A member of your family (parent, brother, sister or child) has suffered with CJD (Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease). To view the position statement on CJD click here.

You’ve ever received human pituitary extract (which was used in some growth hormone or fertility treatments before 1985).

You have received blood or think you may have received blood during the course of any medical treatment or procedure anywhere in the world since 1st January 1980.

You may not be able to give blood if:

You’ve had a serious illness or major surgery in the past or are currently on medication. Please discuss this with the clinical staff. The reason you’re taking medicines may prevent you from donating.

You’ve had complicated dental work. Simple fillings are OK after 24 hours, as are simple extractions after 7 days.

You’ve been in contact with an infectious disease or have been given certain immunisations in the last four weeks.

You’re presently on a hospital waiting list or undergoing medical tests.

You do not weigh over 50kgs (7st 12).

If you are unsure please call our 24 hour donor helpline on 0300 123 23 23.

Pregnancy

You should not give blood if you are pregnant or you are a woman who has had a baby in the last 9 months.

Travel abroad

Please wait 6 months after returning from a malarial area before giving blood. Please also tell us if you have visited Central/South America at any time. (Those who’ve had Malaria, or an undiagnosed illness associated with travel, may not however be able to give blood.)

If you are unsure please call our 24 hour donor helpline on 0300 123 23 23.

West Nile virus

Have you been to or plan to go to CANADA or the UNITED STATES this Summer? If yes, please click here, as it might affect you giving blood.

The special problem of HIV and Hepatitis viruses

* Every single blood donation is tested for HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and hepatitis B and C.
* Infected blood isn’t used in transfusions but our test may not always detect the early stages of viral infection.
* The chance of infected blood getting past our screening tests is very small, but we rely on your help and co-operation.
* People who carry these viruses may feel healthy for many years.

You should never give blood if:

You have ever had syphilis, HTVL (Human T – lymphotorpic virus), hepatitis B or C or think you may have hepatitis now

You’re a man who’s had sex with another man, even safe sex using a condom. For more information click here.

You’ve ever worked as a prostitute.

You’ve ever injected yourself with drugs – even once.

You should not give blood for 12 months after sex with:

A man who has had sex with another man (if you’re a female).

A prostitute.

Anyone who has ever injected themselves with drugs.

Anyone with haemophilia or a related blood clotting disorder who has received clotting factor concentrates.

Anyone of any race who has been sexually active in parts of the world where AIDS/HIV is very common. This includes countries in Africa.

Please do not give blood if you even think that you need a test for HIV or hepatitis, or if you had sex in the past year with someone you think may be HIV or hepatitis positive.

Again, I can’t get my mind over the fact that there is no adequate means right now to know which blood is infected and which is not. At least that’s the impression I get.