Can you donate plasma if youre gay

People with the AB blood type — or universal donors — are particularly needed for plasma donations, since their plasma can be given to anyone. Data from the study is promising, showing that the likelihood of HIV or other infection passing from MSM donors is extremely low.

Plasma donation is essential for supplying life-saving treatments to people suffering from chronic illnesses, traumatic injuries, and other conditions. However, the history of a policy that promoted stigma, erasure and exclusionary practices will linger, said Sheldon.

This world-first “plasma pathway” policy will allow most people, including gay and bisexual men, to donate plasma immediately regardless of sexual activity, provided they meet other criteria. This may contribute to the policy change that the FDA is considering.

When people have undetectable levels of HIV in their blood, they can't pass the infection to sexual partners even if they are positive for the disease. Plasma contains proteins used to create therapies that help blood clot, provide immunizations, and treat rare diseases.

The FDA sets qualifications for who can donate, and health care organizations follow those, says Schuster. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are returned to the donor. Like whole blood, plasma has different types. Schuster, who is gay, has shared his frustration at being unable to donate blood when his son needed a transfusion.

However, people with undetectable levels could, in theory, pass HIV through plasma donation, Schuster says.

LGBTQ Donor Questions Gulf

However, all blood types can donate plasma. Donating plasma — or the liquid portion of blood that's left when red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are removed — can be lifesaving for medical patients who have experienced trauma, burns, and other medical emergencies.

After donation, all plasma goes through rigorous testing to detect infectious diseases, including hepatitis and HIV. In addition to better screening, medical professionals now understand much more about how HIV is passed. This leads.

FDA relaxes blood donation

The FDA eased this restriction in and again in for some men. The process takes about 90 minutes, Schuster says. Explore current and evolving plasma donation eligibility, including general requirements and specific considerations for LGBTQ+ individuals.

With plasma in high demand, donation centers seek to expand their donor pools while maintaining safety protocols. Although the policy has been relaxed, it has not kept up with technological innovations in screening plasma, and an increased understanding of HIV transmission.

To donate plasmablood is collected from the donor's arm. In general, plasma donors must :. The approach would allow men who haven't had any new partners in three months — but have had sex with an existing male partner — to donate. Despite a need for plasma donors, the Food and Drug Administration FDA has restricted donations by men who have sex with men since due to fears of HIV transmission.

It's sent through a machine that separates the liquid and collects plasma. Plasma donations are also crucial for those with diseases including immunodeficiency, hemophilia, and lung diseases, says Dr. Tyson School of Medicine. Now, the FDA may lift the restrictions in favor of an individualized screening approach, according to news reports.

Blood is made from solids red and white blood cells, and plateletsand liquid plasma. Business Strategy.