Addiction and Drug Abuse

Acceptability at Recruitment

QUALIFIED

Acceptability at VT / Work-Up

QUALIFIED

Individual at Risk

Recipient

Explanation of Condition

When considering the effect of addiction or substance misuse, there are two factors to consider: the first is the effect of an altered mental state on a donor's capacity to provide informed consent or comply with the donation process. The second consideration is whether the form of substance misuse exposes the donor to any blood borne viruses that risk being transferred to the recipient.

Guidance

MUST NOT DONATE:

1) Has injected or has been injected with drugs in the past 12 months. See Injection of Non-Prescription drugs for details on IV drug use.

2) If there is concern that the donor is adversely affected by any drug, including alcohol, during the consenting process.

3) If there is concern that substance misuse or addiction would affect the donor’s reliability in the donation process.

4) Has injected, been injected with, or taken non-parenteral chemsex drugs in the past 3 months.

In addition to the above, a three month deferral period applies for:

1) Non-parenteral (non-IV) chemsex drug use.

Please note that, where the risk is to the recipient, there may be a decision taken in conjunction between the MO + TC to shorten a deferral period in exceptional circumstances, for example if the TC has no other suitable donors and feels that the benefits of transplantation still outweigh the risks. If a clearance is signed in these circumstances, a concessionary release form should be completed.

Pseudonyms or Related Conditions

Injection of Non-Prescription drugs

See also: https://www.transfusionguidelines.org/dsg/bm/guidelines/ad001-addiction-and-drug-abuse

Version

Version 2, Edition 1

Date of Last Update

11 June 2024