Hepatitis A

Must not donate if:
Less than 6 months from recovery.

If less than 6 months from infection, but fully recovered, documented HAV RNA negative and anti HAV IgG positive after recovery, accept.

Travel

Hepatitis A is spread by the faecal - oral route and by sewage-contaminated food and water. It can also be spread sexually. There is no long term infection with the virus but there are many reports of transmission by transfusion. Infection may be symptom free but can be serious and occasionally fatal. The Blood Services do not test for this infection.

To clarify the wording of the discretionary entry.

Must not donate if:
Less than 6 months from recovery of current sexual partner, or from last sexual contact if a former sexual partner.

If shown to be immune, accept.

There is a risk of transmitting the infection through sexual activity. Infection may be symptom free but can be serious and occasionally fatal. The 6 month exclusion allows any infection to run its natural course and for any risk of passing the infection on through donation to have passed.

To permit acceptance of donors who are shown to be immune.

Must not donate if:
Less than 6 months from recovery of the last affected person in the home, or from the last contact if no longer sharing.

If shown to be immune, accept.

Because hepatitis A is spread by the faecal - oral route household contacts may easily become infected. Infection may be symptom free but can be serious and occasionally fatal. The 6 month exclusion allows any infection to run its natural course and for any risk of passing the infection on through donation to have passed.

To permit acceptance of donors who are shown to be immune.

Known exposure.
Must not donate if:
Less than six months after vaccine or intramuscular immunoglobulin was given.

No known exposure:
Accept.

Hepatitis B - Post Immunization
Travel

Hepatitis A immunization is advised before travel to parts of the world where other infections relevant to donating such as malaria are common. The donor should be asked about any relevant travel history.

Hepatitis A immunization may be combined with Hepatitis B immunization.

If less than 6 months from immunisation following known exposure, the donor may be accepted following individual risk assessment if the risk of delaying transplant outweighs the risk of transmission of hepatitis A.

The deferral period for immunization post known exposure has been reviewed following guidance from Public Health England.