FDA-aligned policy
Equal screening for all donors.
Under updated FDA guidance, every prospective donor answers the same individual donor assessment — regardless of gender or sexual orientation. One set of questions. Every unit tested. Every donor welcome.
New FDA guidelines
A more inclusive donation process
Updated FDA blood donation eligibility rules were implemented October 2, 2023. Under the new rules, donor screening criteria are based on individual risk behaviors, not sexual or gender identity. This change eliminates previous FDA eligibility criteria based on sexual orientation.
We value an evidence-based approach to blood banking
The FDA's new guidelines are supported by research and careful quality control. The blood community's goal is to be as inclusive as possible while maintaining the highest level of safety for the blood supply. Donor eligibility undergoes frequent revisions based on current scientific evidence.
A safe and inclusive
Blood Supply
New Eligibility
Eligibility is based on individual risk-based questions asked of every donor — regardless of sexual orientation, sex, or gender.
Donor Gender
The Donor History Questionnaire is gender-neutral. Our system uses gender and birthdate to confirm your identity and pull up your questionnaire.
Our Priority
We follow the most recent FDA-supported recommendations to maintain a safe and dependable blood supply, while welcoming everyone we can.
Same questions for everyone
We use the FDA's individual donor assessment — the same for every donor, based on individual health and behavior, not identity.
Every donation tested
Every unit we collect is tested for infectious diseases in a licensed laboratory before it ever reaches a patient.
Everyone is welcome here
You belong at our donor center. Our team is trained to make every donor feel respected, comfortable, and cared for.
Is this eligibility change being made because of political correctness?
No. The blood community's goal is to be as inclusive as possible while maintaining the highest level of safety for the blood supply. Donor eligibility undergoes frequent revisions resulting in changes based on current scientific evidence.
Isn't all blood tested anyway? Why are screening questions necessary?
Yes, every donation is tested for an array of infections that could potentially be transmitted by transfusion. But no test is perfect, and some infections have no reliable test available. Tests have a "window period" — the time between a new infection and when a lab test can reliably detect it. The Donor History Questionnaire is critical for identifying people who may have had a recent new exposure to an infection of concern, such as HIV or hepatitis C.
Before you donate
Required donor education
Every donor reviews the same educational materials. Please read both before your appointment.
Questions about eligibility?
Our staff is happy to walk you through the screening process before you come in. Reach out any time.
info@nccbb.org