Syphilis - Whole Blood and Components

Scenarios

Affected individual

Includes

Excludes

Obligatory

Must not donate.

Additional information

Many donors with treated syphilis will persistently test positive to the screening tests used by the Blood Services, even if treated many years ago. This will mean they will not be able to donate.

Current or former sexual partner of affected individual

Includes

Excludes

Obligatory

Must not donate if:

1. The potential donor was diagnosed with syphilis (See 1. Affected Individuals).
2. It is less than three months since last sexual contact with an infected partner.

Discretionary

1. If it is more than three months from the last sexual contact with an infected partner, accept.
2. If it is more than three months since the infected partner has completed treatment, accept.

Supporting information

See if relevant

Blood safety

Reason for change:

This entry was updated to support the implementation of the recommendations from the FAIR study; the deferral period after sexual contact with an infected person, has been reduced to three months.

Version details:

WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 57 (26 May 2021)