Health · Healthcare & Policy · 42 mins ago
Japan considers allowing blood donations from transfusion recipients
Japan’s health ministry is considering allowing transfusion recipients to donate blood under certain conditions.
Since 1995, people who have received transfusions have been barred from donating in Japan because of concerns that transfusions could spread infections.
Improved testing has prompted a review of the blanket restriction.
Rules differ elsewhere: some countries allow donations after a waiting period, while others continue to prohibit them.
The Japanese Red Cross estimates that more than 20,000 people a year are excluded from donating because they have received transfusions.
Changing the rules could help secure a more stable blood supply for people needing treatment for illness or injury.
Discussions are moving toward conditions based on how long ago and where the transfusion occurred, with safety remaining the priority.
Japan’s health ministry is considering allowing people who have received blood transfusions to donate blood under specified conditions.
People with a history of transfusions have been barred from donating under a blanket ban adopted in 1995.
The review follows improvements in blood testing technology and safety measures.
The Japanese Red Cross Society estimates that more than 20,000 people in Japan are unable to donate each year because they have received transfusions.
Possible conditions include how long ago the transfusion took place and the country or region where it was received.
- Who
- Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is considering a rule change affecting people who have received blood transfusions.
- What
- The ministry is considering allowing them to donate blood under specified conditions.
- When
- The ministry is considering the change; no decision date is stated.
- Where
- Japan.
- Why
- Improved blood testing and safety measures have prompted a review, and widening eligibility could help secure blood supplies.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Japan adopted a blanket ban on blood donations from people with a history of transfusions.
The health ministry is considering allowing transfusion recipients to donate under specified conditions.
- Ban adopted
- 1995
- Potentially affected donors
- More than 20,000 people in Japan each year, according to the Japanese Red Cross Society
- US waiting period
- Three months after a transfusion
- Australia waiting period
- Four months after a transfusion
- Singapore waiting period
- 12 months after a transfusion
- WHO recommendation
- Do not accept donations for 12 months after a blood transfusion