Donors taking Testosterone

[Whitney]

We have seen a great increase in the number of donors taking testosterone. 

 

We have been deferring anyone who says their provider suggested they donate to lower their HCT while on testosterone as we feel these donors should be therapeutic donors. 

 

How are other centers handling these donors?

[galvania]

I can't contribute in any way to this thread - but I am certainly curious.  Why the sudden 'great increase' in donors on testosterone?  Sorry if I'm being ignorant.

Anna

[David Saikin]

I would bet it is due to the inundation of TV commercials to "get your T up!"  Docs are testing for and/or being asked to test for testosterone for a variety of conditions. 

[galvania]

Thanks David.  Interesting!!  And maybe scary too......

[QAZ]

We also treat them as therapeutic patients who require a physician's order instead of a donor. On the FDA website's list of Exceptions and Alternatives, it does show that someone has been given a 'variance' to 21 CFR 640.3 to "Allow individuals on prescription testosterone to donate blood and blood components more frequently than every eight weeks without examination or certification of health by physician at time of donation and to be exempt from placing special labeling about the donor’s disorder on the blood components."