Don't Count Yourself Out!
New Changes Allow Previously Deferred Donors To Give Blood Again
Donor eligibility restrictions in the interest of blood safety have eliminated some people from giving blood, but recent changes in the rules have the potential of bringing back many of these previously deferred donors.
POSITIVE ALT TEST/ELEVATED LIVER ENZYMES
Finally, blood donors who were indefinitely deferred for having elevated liver enzymes, as detected in the ALT test on donated blood, may now be re-entered into the Red Cross system. As of June 9, 2003 many of our donors who were deferred for high liver enzyme results (or elevated ALT or alanine aminotransferase levels) will be able to donate again to the New England Region of the American Red Cross Blood Services. Donor safety screening using the ALT test, which originally began in 1985, is now completely outmoded due to newer tests for Hepatitis C and other diseases. ALT testing is not required by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and nearly all U.S. blood centers have decided to discontinue it.
We have several thousand local donors to invite back. We will do this as quickly as possible to help boost our typically strained summer blood supply. Please note that in order to donate blood again, donors must not be deferred for other reasons and must past the donation vital signs and health history screens the day of their donations. These donors will be asked back in 2 stages:
- Deferred on or after July 16, 1997 – A national Red Cross mailing was sent in July announcing the policy change and welcoming back these donors. If a high ALT was the only reason for deferral, these donors will be able to give the Gift of Life again by simply showing up at a blood drive.
- Deferred before July 16, 1997 – The New England Blood Services Region will investigate each donor’s record and, if no other deferrals are in effect, send him or her an invitation to return. Without this research step and administrative clearance, these donors will NOT be able simply to show up at a drive and give. If a donor is eager to give again, he or she is encouraged to call our Donor Health Department at 1-800-462-9400 ext. 2120 and ask for a speedy removal of the ALT deferral. It should then take about four (4) weeks for all the Red Cross paperwork to clear.
This is a long awaited move for the Red Cross. We know that there are many wonderful folks who will return to donating once they are notified of the opportunity. Please share this good news with anyone you may happen to know who has an ALT deferral.
Call 1-800-GIVE-LiFE to make a blood donation appointment
Call the Donor Health Department at 1-800-462-9400 ext. 2120
if you have questions about blood donation deferrals
For a complete listing of Blood Donor Eligibility Requirements, click here.
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