5/6 November 2024
The "Guideline on the collection of blood and blood components and on the use of blood products" was revised by the German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer - BÄK) in cooperation with the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut (PEI - the German Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines). In addition to several adjustments, a short-term update had to be made according to the new UPD Reform Act (Stiftung Unabhängige Patientenberatung Deutschland).
The biggest - also politically relevant - adjustment here was the change to the regulations on the assessment of individual sexual behaviour, which have been in force since May. The sexual orientation, gender identity of the person willing to donate and sexual partners are no longer relevant. Donations are to be rejected in future if the sexual behaviour of the donor has been risky within the last four months. This includes the following points:
Furthermore, further adjustments were also made and supplemented in the new Haemotherapy Guideline:
The new guideline helps to ensure that patients receive targeted, effective and safe blood products and that blood donors are not harmed by their donation. Please also read the complete amendment 2023 with further changes or the complete guideline on the collection of blood and blood components and the use of blood products (guideline haemotherapy).