JPAC Joint United Kingdom (UK) Blood Transfusion and Tissue Transplantation Services Professional Advisory Committee

HIV

IncludingAIDS.
1. Affected Individual
ObligatoryMust not donate.
See if RelevantBlood Safety Entry
Additional InformationHIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection can destroy the immune system and lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is known to be transmitted by transfusion. In the early stages of infection the testing used by the Blood Services may not detect the virus allowing it to be passed on by transfusion.
InformationThis is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005.
Update InformationThis entry was last updated in:
DSG-WB Edition 203, Release 01.
Reason for change'Additional Information' has been added.
2. Current or Former Sexual Partner of Affected Individual
ObligatoryMust not donate if:
Less than 12 months from the last sexual contact.
See if RelevantBlood Safety Entry
Additional InformationHIV infection can be spread through sexual activity, including oral and anal sex. It may however not be transmitted for a long time into a relationship. This could be because the infection becomes more active in the infected partner, the uninfected partner acquires another infection or injury to a mucous membrane, or there is a change in the use of, or failure of, barrier contraceptives (condoms etc.). In the early stages of infection the testing used by the Blood Services may not detect the virus allowing it to be passed on by transfusion.

Waiting 12 months from the last sexual contact will ensure that any infection is picked up by the tests used by the Blood Services.
InformationThis is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005.
Update InformationThis entry was last updated in:
DSG-WB Edition 203, Release 01.
Reason for changeThe entries for 'Current' and 'Former Sexual Partner' have been combined.

'Additional Information' has been added.
3. Person Currently or Formerly Sharing a Home with an Affected Individual
DiscretionaryAccept.
See if Relevant2. Current or Former Sexual Partner of Affected Individual above.
Additional InformationHIV is neither contagious nor spread by the faecal-oral route. It is usually only spread through a direct blood to blood or sexual route. For these reasons household contacts do not need to be deferred.
Update InformationThis entry was last updated in:
DSG-WB Edition 203, Release 01.
Reason for changeThis is an additional entry.
Donor InformationIf you wish to obtain more information regarding a personal medical issue please contact your National Help Line.

Please do not contact this web site for personal medical queries, as we are not in a position to provide individual answers.