IBR Statement on Updated FDA Guidance Addressing Urgent Need for Blood During COVID-19 Pandemic
UPDATE:As of June 15, 2020, IBR and its divisions, Memorial Blood Centers and Nebraska Community Blood Bank, have revised eligiblity criteria according to new guidelines issued by the FDA on April 2, 2020. The FDA’s actions will allow for the re-entry of thousands of individuals to the donor pool who were previously deferred. We are pleased that the FDA has recognized the need for blood during the COVID-19 pandemic and reviewed some of their guidelines based on most current scientific data.
Innovative Blood Resources (IBR) greatly values the continued support and guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), particularly during this COVID-19 pandemic, and our organization is very pleased to acknowledge the revised FDA guidelines, issued on April 2, 2020, which include changing the deferral period for men who have sex with men (MSM) and making individuals who spent time in numerous European countries, or on military bases in Europe, eligible to donate. Safely expanding the number of eligible donors is crucial to maintaining an adequate blood supply during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Revised FDA Recommendations
- MSM donor deferral period changing from 12 months to 3 months.
- Female donors previously deferred for having sex with a man who had sex with another man deferral period changing from 12 months to 3 months.
- People with recent tattoos and piercings deferral period changing from 12 months to 3 months.
- Travelers to malaria-endemic areas (and those who are residents of malaria non-endemic countries) deferral period from 12 months to 3 months, and the guidance provides notice of an alternate procedure that permits the collection of blood and blood components from such donors without a deferral period, provided the blood components are pathogen-reduced using an FDA-approved pathogen reduction device.
- People who have spent time in certain European countries or on military bases in Europe who were previously considered to have been exposed to a potential risk of transmission of CJD or Variant CJD, the recommended deferrals will be eliminated, and reentry of these donors is recommended.
IBR and its divisions are driven by a dedication to saving lives and strengthening the health of our communities. We wholly support these updated guidelines and will continue to advocate for further changes to ensure a diverse and ample donor pool as well as a safe and reliable blood supply for patients in need.