AABB PulsePoints

The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), on October 10, 2003, issued Association Bulletin #03-14, advising blood collection facilities to begin deferring prospective donors who have been to Iraq as soon as possible, but no later than October 30, 2003, due to the risk of transfusion-transmitted leishmania. The deferral is effective for 12 months from the prospective donor's last date of departure from Iraq. The Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) has reported cases of leishmaniasis among personnel stationed in Iraq and is implementing a 12-month deferral for individuals who have traveled to Iraq. ASBP has required that this deferral be implemented by all armed services blood collection facilities by October 30, 2003.

Armed services personnel, especially members of the National Guard, often donate regularly at civilian facilities. Therefore, all blood collection facilities should implement this deferral no later than October 30, 2003, for consistency with ASBP policy. The deferral applies to the whole country of Iraq and includes any civilians, contractors, or other individuals who have visited the country, in addition to service personnel stationed there.

A copy of Association Bulletin #03-14 is posted in the "Content/Members_Area/Association_Bulletins" section of the AABB Web site:

http://www.aabb.org/Content/Members_Area/Association_Bulletins/ab03-14.htm

-- End of AABB PulsePoints --

If you have questions regarding the content of this material, please email publicrelations@aabb.org.