Brazil Ministry of Health updates blood donation regulations

The Brazilian Ministry of Health has announced new regulations for blood donation, set to take effect in October, aimed at increasing blood supplies in hospitals and clinics nationwide.

Key changes include the removal of age limits for donors. Individuals over 70 who are in good health and pass clinical evaluations will now be permitted to donate. Additionally, the waiting period for those who have received tattoos, permanent makeup, or botox has been significantly reduced to seven days, provided the procedures were performed in facilities following sanitary safety standards. If the safety of the location cannot be verified, the waiting period is four months.

Other updates include reduced waiting times for individuals who have undergone endoscopy or colonoscopy, as well as those who have used anabolic steroids, with the period dropping from six to four months. For cancer patients in remission (excluding melanoma and hematological neoplasms), the waiting period is now five years. For those recovering from tuberculosis, the period is two years after cure. Furthermore, users of medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro may donate after a 14-day waiting period following a dose change or the cessation of adverse effects.