NCBB will introduce a new donor screening process on Monday, September 25th, based on Individual Donor Assessment (IDA), not sexual or gender identity.
NEBRASKA — Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) today announced that on Monday, September 25th, it will implement the new donor screen process that will focus on individual donor assessment. This comes following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) final guidance establishing a blood donor screening process based on Individual Donor Assessment, not sexual or gender identity. Interested individuals can find detailed information regarding these changes at ncbb.org/ida.
In preparation for this change, NCBB has completed the adoption of the donor history questionnaire, updated and validated computer systems regulated by the FDA, trained staff, and updated operational procedures.
“For decades, we have strongly advocated for scientifically-based changes to the FDA policies regarding gay and bisexual men and this recent decision by the FDA is a huge step toward making blood donation more inclusive,” said Kathy Geist, Vice President at Nebraska Community Blood Bank. “We look forward to welcoming these new donors to our centers and blood drives, especially following a tough summer with low donor turnout.”
All U.S. blood centers are regulated by the FDA and must adhere to their donor eligibility policies. In 1983, the FDA instituted a lifetime deferral on blood donations for gay and bisexual men in order to reduce the chance of HIV in the blood supply at a time when testing was limited or non-existent. In 2015, the FDA revised this policy and moved to a 12-month deferral for men who have sex with men in response to comprehensive testing capabilities and data demonstrating safety in shortened deferral. This policy was revised again in 2020 to the current 3-month deferral.
The change is based on data from the “Assessing Donor Variability And New Concepts in Eligibility” (ADVANCE) Study, which sought to determine if different eligibility criteria could be used focusing on each donor’s individual risk behavior rather than their sexual orientation. The updated criteria reflect the scientific data gathered as part of the ADVANCE Study.
ABOUT NEBRASKA COMMUNITY BLOOD BANK
Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) has been connecting people and saving lives since 1968. In 2023, NCBB is proud to celebrate its 55th anniversary of saving lives through blood donation. NCBB relies on the local community to donate blood to help ensure a safe and stable blood supply is available to area hospitals and other partners. With operations in Nebraska and western Iowa, NCBB is a division of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), serving communities across the country. For more information, call 877.486.9414 or visit ncbb.org.
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
