From Monday 20 April 2026, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is updating some of its blood and platelet donation rules.
Lifeblood is changing how it assesses a donor’s risk of exposure to new infections by making the pre-donation questionnaire gender-neutral.
All donors will now be asked the same questions about their sexual activity, regardless of gender.
They still need to meet all other eligibility criteria before they can donate. Testing of blood donations for hepatitis B and C and HIV will remain the same.
Lifeblood has confirmed that the evidence shows these updates can be made safely. The changes have been assessed and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Read more about the blood and platelet donation rule changes
