Update on sexual activity blood donation rules

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood will undertake a two-year research program to assess whether an individual risk assessment approach could work safely in Australia.

Relevant experts and interest-groups will be invited to participate in an advisory group to plan the program, which will assess community acceptance of the changes required as well as any impacts on donor numbers.

Focus on the ‘plasma pathway’ continues to be the priority for Lifeblood as the most inclusive option for all Australian blood donors, as it could allow anyone to donate plasma regardless of their sexual activity.

It is still early days, and we ask for people’s patience as we work through this process.

Lifeblood wants change on this rule too, and we are working on it as a priority.

More detailed information is available on the sexual activity section of our website.