Brazil Updates Blood Donation Deferral Rules Nationwide

The Ministry of Health issued Portaria GM/MS nº 11.685, effective 30 September 2026, revising clinical screening criteria for blood donors across Brazil. The changes are being implemented by the Santa Catarina Hematology and Hemotherapy Center (Hemosc) and the Amapá Institute of Hematology and Hemotherapy (Hemoap) to broaden eligibility while preserving safety.

Deferral periods are shortened—for tattoos or piercings performed at licensed establishments, the wait drops from four months to six days; endoscopy and colonoscopy from six to four months; bariatric surgery from 12 to six months; tuberculosis from five years to two years; cancer survivors may donate five years after completing treatment. Donors over 70 can be evaluated individually. The new rules will be rolled out gradually nationwide by the end of September.