Tuberculosis

Must not donate if:
a) Infected.

b) Less than 24 months from completing treatment.

c) Under follow-up.

a) If mother with a history of tuberculosis or latent tuberculosis has been successfully treated, with treatment being completed at least 24 months previously, been discharged from follow up, and has remained well and asymptomatic – accept.

b) Mothers with a diagnosis of latent tuberculosis currently not undergoing investigation, or more than 7 days after completion of treatment: refer to DCSO for individual risk assessment.

BCG
Heaf Test
Mantoux Test

Must not donate until:
Screened and cleared.

If the mother has been informed that they do not need to be screened, accept.

BCG
Heaf Test
Mantoux Test

Tuberculosis can be present in many tissues and be spread through the blood stream. It is sensible to exclude mothers who may have active disease from donating to prevent any possibility of transmitting the infection.

Individuals with latent tuberculosis do not have symptoms of active infection. Treatment is usually recommended for individuals aged under 65. Antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis can cause liver damage in older adults, and hence treatment may not be offered. If latent tuberculosis is thought to be drug resistant, or if the individual is taking immunosuppressive medication for any reason, they may be regularly monitored to check the infection does not become active.