Lifts deferral for potential exposure to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

With reference to international trends and guidelines of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (commonly known as Mad-cow Disease), as well as related medical literature and data on variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in Hong Kong, the Hospital Authority Expert Panel on Blood and Blood Products Safety (Expert Panel) has approved to reinstate donors previously deferred from blood donation due to staying in the United Kingdom, France, or Ireland, with effect from tomorrow (21 December).

The BTS appealed to those who were suspended from donating blood due to the related policy in the past to come forward in the blood donation drives to save lives. Public are advised to make appointment by calling the BTS’ donor centres, via the Donor Web Portal (https://blooddonor.ha.org.hk/) or HK Blood mobile apps.

Press Release: https://www5.ha.org.hk/rcbts/news/pr20221220