Behavior-Based Blood Donor Deferrals in the Era of Nucleic Acid Testing

A colleague at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) comments that he is not usually given to editorials, but he believes that the upcoming FDA sponsored workshop entitled "Behavior-Based Blood Donor Deferrals in the Era of Nucleic Acid Testing" offers a chance for everyone who has been complaining about the FDA guidance on donor deferrals based on sexual preference since 1977 to voice their opinions, to present any refuting data, and to state their case directly to the FDA. He acknowledges that there have been numerous complaints from individuals, campus blood drives have been boycotted and organizations have challenged the FDA data on this issue, so it is important that the workshop be well attended with contributors to the discussions.

The following comments have been received.

ADDENDA April 3, 2006

Editor's Note: The minutes of the above meeting may be found on the FDA website HERE.

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Ira A. Shulman, MD
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