Coronavirus

Acceptability at Recruitment

QUALIFIED

Acceptability at CT / Work-Up

QUALIFIED

Individual at Risk

Recipient

Explanation of Condition

Viral infection that can cause diseases in mammal and birds. In humans, common coronaviruses cause colds and respiratory tract infections but are not considered a risk for transfusion recipients. Since 2002 there have been outbreaks in humans of new strains of coronavirus, associated with severe pulmonary infections and mortality rates of 10-35% e.g. SARS and MERS. There is no evidence at present that coronaviruses can be transmitted by blood transfusion or tissue/cell transplantation and therefore these measures are precautionary. See also Coronavirus

Guidance

Must not donate if: a) Less than 28 days from a donor’s return from a Coronavirus risk area. This includes transit through an airport in a Coronavirus risk area, even if the traveller has not left the airport.

b) Less than 28 days from the last contact with a person with Coronavirus infection.

c) Less than 28 days since recovery from Coronavirus infection or possible Coronavirus infection.

Discretionary:

If more than 28 days has passed since: • returning from a Coronavirus risk area, and/or • last contact with a person affected by Coronavirus, and/or • recovery from proven or presumed Coronavirus infection and the donor has remained well, accept.

If less than 28 days has passed since returning from a Coronavirus risk area, or from the last contact with a person affected by Coronavirus, or since recovery from Coronavirus infection or possible Coronavirus infection, refer to designated clinical support officer. Donor may be accepted with individual risk assessment subject to expert microbiological advice.

Version

Version 1, Edition 1 Date of Last Update 20 February 2020