Latent Tuberculosis

ACCEPT:

• If the donor has latent TB, is not undergoing investigation and does not require treatment.

DEFER:

• If the donor is undergoing treatment for latent TB
• For 1 week after the donor had completed treatment for latent TB.

Active Tuberculosis

 DEFER:

• If the donor has completed treatment for TB at least 2 years previously, has finished follow-up and has been declared cured from TB for at least 2 years
• If the donor undergoing investigation for TB.

CONTACT WITH INFECTED PERSON

ACCEPT:

• If the donor was informed that he/she did not need to be screened.

DEFER:

• Until donor is screened and confirmed as not infected.

BCG Immunisation

 DEFER:

• For 8 weeks from the date of the vaccination.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. The bacteria that causes it are spread from one person to another through tiny droplets via coughs and sneezes. Many strains of TB resist the drugs most used to treat the disease. People with active TB must take several types of medications for many months to eradicate the infection and prevent development of antibiotic resistance. A person with LATENT TB has a TB infection, but the bacteria remain in the body in an inactive state and cause no symptoms. Latent TB isn't contagious. It can turn into ACTIVE TB, so treatment is important for the person with latent TB and to help control the spread of TB. Tuberculosis can be present in many tissues and be spread through the blood stream. It is sensible to exclude people who may have active disease from donating to prevent any possibility of transmitting the infection to maintain donor and recipient safety.

Directive 2004/33/EC has a legislative requirement that prospective donors with a history of tuberculosis are deferred for 2 years following the date of full recovery.