Published on August 8, 2024, 18:58 / ©pexels.com
The amendment is intended to make it possible for more people to donate blood.
The amendment is intended to make it possible for more people to donate blood.
Until now, some people were excluded from donating blood or at least had restrictions. An amendment is now intended to change this.
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Around 3.4 percent of all people in Austria donate blood regularly. “In doing so, they make an important contribution to ensuring the care of accident victims and those involved in operations. With an amendment to the blood donor regulations, the legal requirements are now being adapted to the current state of science,” the Ministry of Health announced. The amendment was sent for review today, Thursday, August 8th.
Maximum limit
To increase safety for donors, the maximum amount of blood donated per year will be reduced. Women will be allowed to donate a maximum of 1.5 liters of blood per year, men 2 liters of blood per year. A maximum of three or four donations per year are permitted, at intervals of at least 8 weeks. This is to ensure that even frequent donors do not suffer from iron deficiency. The change in the annual maximum amounts is based on the recommendation of the Blood Commission.
Change for people from malaria areas
People who were born or grew up in malaria-affected areas are no longer permanently excluded from donating blood in AustriaThe same applies to people who have visited such areas and who have shown symptoms of malaria. However, they must present a negative NAT test result and a negative antibody test that were carried out no earlier than six months after departure.
“Nobody is discriminated against”
For the first time, medical guidelines are also being set for diverse and intersex people as well as people without a gender specification. Although they were already able to donate blood, the intervals and maximum amounts to be observed were not defined for them. It has now been made clear that the guidelines for the female sex apply to them in principle. If the physical characteristics correspond to the minimum values set for men, the guidelines for the male sex can also be used if desired. The parameters include weight, blood pressure or pulse rate. The safety of donors is ensured by a medical confirmation of health suitability. “In this way, we ensure that no one is discriminated against on the basis of their sex or gender identity,” emphasises the Minister of Health. John Rauch.
Amendment to come into force this year
“With the new regulation, more people are now allowed to donate blood, but at the same time donors will be allowed to donate less frequently in the future,” emphasises Gerry FoitikFederal Rescue Commander and member of the management board of the Austrian Red Cross responsible for blood issues. The revised blood donor regulation is expected to come into force in autumn 2024. Shortly after it comes into force, the questionnaires for blood donation will also be adapted to the new requirements.
A notice: This post was updated on 08.08.2024 at 19:01
