In July, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood introduced a significant change which safely paved the way for many gay and bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers, and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis PrEP to donate plasma without a wait period.
The eligibility change has been warmly welcomed, with more than 1,600 donations made to date.
Previous donor rules prevented many people from the LGBTQIA+ and sex worker communities from donating plasma if they had sex within the past three months, however extensive research and modelling demonstrated the change could be implemented without compromising the safety of Australia’s blood supply.
Plasma is the “liquid gold” part of blood and it is the donation type most needed by Australian patients, with treatment for more than 50 medical conditions reliant on its supply. This includes bleeding disorders, immune deficiencies, cancer and severe trauma.
Lifeblood has also been progressing changes to blood and platelets donation eligibility, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently approving a submission to remove gender-based sexual activity rules.
These changes – known as gender-neutral assessments – are expected to be introduced in 2026, and once implemented, will see all donors being asked the same questions about sexual activity, regardless of gender or sexuality.
These two changes represent a turning point for donation equality and will allow more people to donate much needed blood and plasma to support the community’s needs.
Lifeblood has donor centres across Australia. Donation appointments can be made online www.lifeblood.com.au, on the Lifeblood app or by calling 13 14 95.
