New blood donation rules receive positive response

The Blood Bank of Iceland has reported a positive response to new blood donation rules introduced at the beginning of September, mbl.is reported. The rules apply the same criteria to everyone, regardless of sex or sexual orientation.

“This has gone very well, and everyone has been very understanding that this is new for everyone. We have received a good response from those who have come,” said Ína Björg Hjálmarsdóttir, a department manager at the Blood Bank.

The regulation defines criteria for risky sexual behaviour that apply regardless of a person’s sex or sexual orientation. Such behaviour can lead to a temporary deferral because of the risk of infectious diseases.

Whether a person can donate blood will therefore be decided through an individual risk assessment rather than by the group to which they belong. All prospective donors and people wishing to continue donating must complete questionnaires using the same criteria.

“We have fairly strict rules, as always, aimed at ensuring the safety of both donors and blood recipients,” Ína Björg said.

The Blood Bank has also introduced nucleic acid testing, known as NAT testing, to screen for blood-borne infectious diseases. The tests are more sensitive than older methods and provide greater protection for blood recipients.

Ína said the Blood Bank had reviewed all its health criteria following the regulatory change and the introduction of the new DNA tests, which had been under trial for a year.

The Blood Bank has previously said it needs about 2,500 new blood donors each year. Asked whether the revised regulation could increase the number of donors, Ína said it remained to be seen, although she hoped it would.

The latest information on blood donation is available at blodbankinn.is.