| Definitions | Transgender and non-binary individuals
Trans is an umbrella term to describe people whose gender is not the same as, or does not sit comfortably with, the sex they were assigned at birth. Trans people may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms including (but not limited to) transgender, non-binary or gender queer. Gender affirming hormone therapy may be used as part of transition by transgender and non-binary individuals. |
| Discretionary | a) If the donor is taking masculinising hormone therapy (e.g. testosterone) to support their transition, the donor is well and the donor has been on treatment for more than 12 months, accept.
b) If the donor is taking feminising hormone therapy, and the donor is well, accept. |
| See if Relevant | Anti-Androgens
Haemoglobin Estimation
Hormone Replacement and Sex Hormone Therapy
Surgery |
| Additional Information | The higher haemoglobin concentration of men, compared to women, is related to testosterone levels. Testosterone therapy will result in the haemoglobin concentration rising. The opposite will be true if a person is taking feminising therapy.
Waiting 12 months after starting masculinising hormone therapy, ensures that donation does not interfere with the assessment and laboratory monitoring of their treatment. A high haemoglobin (polycythaemia) can be a complication of this therapy and blood donation may mean this complication is not recognised. Once treatment is stabilised, it may be appropriate to offer the donor an individualised haemoglobin screening range consistent with their therapy (e.g. Haemoglobin 135 to 180 g/L for donors taking testosterone). Donors must be counselled to inform the Blood Service if their treatment changes or discontinues.
As well as hormones, donors may take other medication to modify the effect of sex hormones as part of gender-affirming treatment. This may include hormone blockers, such as anti-androgens, which could affect the donor’s eligibility.
For blood services that use leucocyte antibody screening as a TRALI risk reduction measure, donors who were assigned female at birth should be included. |
| Reason for change | Entry title changed. Instruction to base haemoglobin screening on gender removed. Addition of guidance re gender-affirming hormone therapy. |
| Donor Information | If you wish to obtain more information regarding a personal medical issue please contact your National Help Line.
Please do not contact this web site for personal medical queries, as we are not in a position to provide individual answers. |