LifeServe Cancer Deferral Changing

Last Updated on October 21, 2021

We have exciting news!
 

LifeServe Blood Center is pleased to announce a change to our blood donor eligibility regarding cancer. Previously, blood donors diagnosed with cancer were issued a yearlong deferral from giving blood, and blood donors diagnosed with melanoma were issued a lifetime deferral from giving blood. The Medical Director at LifeServe Blood Center has recently revisited blood donor eligibility and determined there is no further need for a lengthy deferral for donors who have completed treatment for certain cancers and there is no further need to permanently defer donors who have completed treatment for melanoma. Now, most cancer patients will be eligible to donate immediately following successful treatment. There is no evidence that this type of cancer can be transmitted by blood transfusion.

There is no evidence cancers are transmitted by transfusion. The organizations that regulate LifeServe Blood Center do not require a deferral after someone has completed treatment for cancer. Cancer of blood cells (leukemias and lymphomas) will still require a permanent deferral out of an abundance of caution. Other blood centers have adopted a similar stance regarding the safety of blood products from donors who have completed treatment for cancer and have not experienced any adverse events.

We are excited to welcome back donors who have completed treatment for melanoma and are more than happy to discuss your specific details to determine your blood donor eligibility for other cancers. Please click here to start determining your eligibility. You can also give us a call at 800-287-4903 Ext. 4444 and we’ll be happy to provide more information.

Questions? Give us a call at 800-287-4903 ext. 4444 and we’ll be happy to provide more information.