Ensuring the safety of the nation’s blood supply is the top priority for America’s Blood Centers and the entire blood community.

Multiple layers of safety are in place to protect the millions of patients that rely on blood transfusions each year. To maintain the highest degree of safety, all U.S. blood centers are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must adhere to following donor eligibility policies and safeguards.

In an era of rapidly evolving medical science and heightened public awareness, this page is designed to provide crucial information about the safety of the blood supply and the measures in place to protect donors and recipients alike:

The Safety of the Blood Supply

Robust, multi-layered safety protocols are in place:

 

 

 

 

Macro photo hand of medical worker, Biochemical analyzer blood tests on modern equipment of laboratories.

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Ensuring the Safety of the U.S. Blood Supply: A fact sheet from America's Blood Centers, which is also available as an infographic.

Trends Impacting the Nation’s Blood Supply: A fact sheet from America's Blood Centers, including efforts to strengthen and expand our nation’s donor base.

U.S. Blood Donation Statistics and Public Messaging Guide: This guide is designed to provide the latest look at the state of blood donations, utilizing data from rigorously researched sources and expert input.

 

 

 

covid-19 vaccine - coronavirus vaccination bottles in a line. injection vials

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Frequently Asked Questions: COVID Vaccines and Blood Donation: Information from America's Blood Centers.

Blood Bulletin, March 2023 Edition: Directed Donations and COVID-19 mRNA Vaccinated Blood Donors.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Updated Information for Blood Establishments Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic and Blood Donation.

Statement from America’s Blood Centers, the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, and the American Red Cross: Blood Community Reiterates the Safety of America’s Blood Supply for Patients.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Blood Donation

We understand there may be questions regarding COVID-19 vaccines and blood donation. Here are the facts:

Directed Blood Donations

Two cheerful women at blood donation drop-in

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American Medical Association (AMA): This statement outlines the AMA’s opposition to any legislation or policy mandating compliance with patient requests for specific donors or non-medically indicated traits, such as vaccination status.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Important Information About Directed Blood Donations that are Not Medically Indicated.

Blood Bulletin, March 2023 Edition: Directed Donations and COVID-19 mRNA Vaccinated Blood Donors.

 

Professional doctor scientist holding vacutainer blood sample for medical experiment. Researcher in chemical medicine lab working with professional technology equipment for healthcare development.

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The Current National Blood Supply: America's Blood Centers provides information on the current national blood supply, including a regional blood supply breakdown.

 

An Ongoing Commitment to Safety

America's Blood Centers and our member organizations remain dedicated to maintaining the safety of the nation's blood supply. Through adherence to FDA regulations, implementation of state-of-the-art testing methods, and ongoing vigilance, we work to ensure that blood products remain safe and available for all patients in need.

We continue to rely on science-based policies and best practices to uphold the highest standards of blood safety. Our commitment to blood donation is unwavering, and we invite you to join us in this life-saving mission by finding a local community blood center near you and becoming a regular blood donor today.

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ABC Advocacy Toolkit Resources to Respond to Efforts That Undermine the Blood Supply and Patient Care

Download ABC's Advocacy Toolkit

Looking to make a difference in your state's blood donation policies? ABC members can download our Advocacy Toolkit now. This resource is packed with everything you need for state-based advocacy on directed donation and vaccination status labeling requirements. Inside, you'll find customizable talking points and legislator letter templates that can be easily adapted to address specific bills in your state.

Download now