Hemosc implements new blood donation criteria in Santa Catarina

The Santa Catarina Hematology and Hemotherapy Center (Hemosc) has implemented new blood donation criteria following updated guidelines from the Brazilian Ministry of Health. These changes aim to expand the donor pool by reducing mandatory waiting periods for various medical conditions and procedures based on recent scientific evidence.

Key updates include significantly shorter waiting times for tattoos and piercings, which can now be as short as seven days if performed in a licensed facility, compared to the previous six to twelve months. Similarly, the waiting period for bariatric surgery has been reduced from twelve months to six months, provided weight is stable. Other changes include reduced waiting periods for tuberculosis (from five years to two) and endoscopy or colonoscopy (from six months to four).

Regarding chronic conditions, individuals who have had cancer may now donate after five years of completed treatment and confirmed remission, whereas they were previously permanently ineligible. Certain thyroid conditions, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hyperthyroidism (excluding Graves' disease), are also no longer permanent disqualifiers. These new standards are already in effect in Santa Catarina, while other Brazilian hemocenters are expected to complete their transition by September 30.