Brazil implements new blood donation regulations

Brazil is implementing new technical norms for blood donation established by the Ministry of Health. These regulations aim to make the process more inclusive and efficient across various states, including Mato Grosso do Sul, Pará, and Paraná.

Key changes include the removal of age limits for regular donors over 70 and significantly reduced waiting periods for those with recent tattoos, piercings, or cosmetic procedures. For instance, if sanitary conditions are verified, the waiting period for tattoos and piercings can be as short as seven days.

The new guidelines also prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, profession, or socioeconomic status, and mandate the use of social names for trans and travesty donors. Additionally, hospitals are now prohibited from pressuring families to provide replacement blood donations, emphasizing that all donations must be strictly voluntary.

Despite these regulatory advancements, several regional blood banks, such as Hemominas in Minas Gerais and the regional center in Londrina, have reported critical or alert levels for specific blood types, particularly O positive and O negative, prompting urgent calls for community donations.