| Additional Information | Prion related diseases can be symptom free for many years. During the incubation stage, infection may be passed on by donated material.
Human blood or body fluids may be contaminated with infective material that may be passed on by donated material. Waiting four months (if a validated test for HBV, HCV HIV NAT is negative) helps to ensure that any infection is not passed on. This includes donors where the contact has Hepatitis B infection or is a recipient of blood derived coagulation factor concentrates.
If an individual is undergoing further tests or follow up following an exposure, donation should be deferred until all follow up is complete and above criteria apply.
This guidance presumes that a validated NAT test for hepatitis C is negative. If this test is stopped, the guidance will change. |