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Xpress PassDonate With Pride
We welcome LGBTQ+ donors and we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive donation experience for everyone.
Blood donor eligibility is based on individual behaviors. Every donor is asked the same questions to help ensure the safety of donors and recipients.
Recent updates to the FDA guidelines have expanded donor eligibility, allowing more people to donate, including some who were previously deferred.
Questions about eligibility? Call 801-584-5272 to speak confidentially with our team.
How We Determine Donor Eligibility
All blood donor centers in the United States adhere to FDA guidelines, which are designed to protect donors and recipients.
Before donating, you’ll complete a health history screening, which includes questions about your:
- General health status
- Travel history
- Medication use
- Recent sexual activity
These questions focus on specific behaviors that may affect the safety of your donation, not your sexual orientation.
What To Expect
All donors are asked:
“Have you had a new sexual partner or more than one partner in the past three months?”
- If No → No additional questions will be asked about your sexual activity.
- If Yes → You will be asked whether you have had anal sex.
- If Yes → You will be deferred from donating for three months.
What’s Changed
Previously, some donors—especially gay and bisexual men—were deferred based on sexual orientation alone.
Now:
- All donors are evaluated using the same set of questions.
- The screening is based on individual risk factors, not donor identity.
- More people are eligible to donate.
If you want to learn more about how these guidelines were developed, please refer to the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies.
Information for Specific Communities
Gay and Bisexual Men
Eligibility is no longer based on sexual orientation. All donors are asked the same behavior-based screening questions.
We understand that the deferral related to anal sex may feel like it unfairly targets gay and bisexual men, and we are committed to treating all donors with respect and dignity. The focus on anal sex is based on research that shows a statistically higher chance of HIV transmission with anal sex. This guidance does not account for individual safe sex practices but is based on an evidence-backed approach to reduce overall risk.
Women Who Have Sex With Women
Eligibility is no longer based on sexual orientation. All donors are asked the same behavior-based screening questions. There is no deferral based on sexual activity between women alone. You may be eligible to donate if you meet other criteria.
Asexual Donors
Eligibility is no longer based on sexual orientation. All donors are asked the same behavior-based screening questions. Individuals who do not engage in sexual activity may be eligible to donate if they meet other requirements.
Transgender Donors
There is no deferral based on being transgender.
- All donors will register using their self-identified gender (male, female, or another gender).
- You do not need to disclose that you are transgender.
- Our staff will use your preferred name and pronouns.
Nonbinary and Gender-Diverse Donors
You will not be deferred from donating due to being nonbinary or gender diverse. The current donor history questionnaire is gender neutral, and all donors are asked the same questions regardless of their gender. However, there are still some gender-specific eligibility criteria, such as minimum height and weight requirements and iron levels for certain populations, which require donors to self-identify as male, female, or another gender during registration. We understand these choices may not reflect everyone’s identity, and we are committed to treating all donors with respect and dignity.
Intersex Donors
Donors are asked to self-identify as male, female, or another gender. You are not required to disclose that you are intersex.
Why These Guidelines Exist
Every unit of donated blood is tested for infectious diseases. However, no test can detect infections immediately after exposure or in very early stages of infection.
FDA guidelines include waiting periods in certain cases to:
- Ensure accurate testing results
- Reduce the risk of undetected infections
- Protect patients who receive blood transfusions
These rules apply to all donors and are based on scientific and safety standards.
Medications for HIV Prevention or Treatment
Some medications can affect donor eligibility:
- Oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) or PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis): Wait three months after last use before donating.
- Injectable PrEP: Wait two years after last use before donating.
- HIV treatment (ART): Individuals who have ever taken this medication are not eligible to donate.
These waiting periods and deferrals are required because these medications can affect how infections are detected in blood tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these rules apply to all blood centers?
Yes. All blood donation centers in the U.S. follow the same FDA guidelines.
Are my answers confidential?
Yes. Your information is always kept private. The health screening takes place in a confidential setting no matter where you’re donating.
I was previously deferred. Can I donate now?
Possibly. If you were deferred under past guidelines, you may now be eligible. Call us at 801-584-5272 to discuss your situation.
Can exceptions be made?
No. All donor centers must follow FDA regulations.
Do you test every donation?
Yes. Every unit is tested for infectious diseases. The health screening questions are still necessary because early infections may not always be detected immediately.
