Hi all,

Just wanted to get a feel about what your policy is when it comes to donors and tick-borne diseases (Lyme, Ehrlichia, Babesia)

A quick google shows that most places defer the donors while sick but after treatment is over gladly take them back.

Thank you

Hello sir,

In the place where I work, we follow the rule " play it safe ".

so with a smiling face, defer such donors...

am keen to know the inputs from the other members too !

with wishes...

engeekay2003

The 15th edition of the Tech Manual states on page 696...

Potential donors who give a history of Lyme disease should be completely asymptomatic and should have completed a full course of antibiotic therapy before they are permitted to donate.

However, the 16th edition of Tech Manual is now available.

Per AABB Stds history of babesiosis is an indefinite deferral. No std about Lyme disease or Ehrlichia. For Lyme disease would accept after treatment. Ehrlichia would play safe and defer.

MGordon , MD

Why would you defer someone who has been treated for Ehrlichia and is now healthy?

I live in an Ehrlichia endemic area (the Ozarks). My guess if all those with treated Ehrlichia were deferred, in a few years we'd see a significant decline in donors.

I personnally had Ehrlichia a year ago, and was treated (successfully as far as I know), do you think I have a chronic disease? I have donated blood 4 times since this.

Humm....??

Linda Frederick

Hi Linda Frederick or bbbirder, Sorry for the delayed response, but I have been behind the eight ball in preparing data for ABC meeting next week.

Perhaps I am too cautious regarding this entity. Per the Technical Manual, there has been one possible transfusion transmission of erlichiosis. While at the ABC meeting I will consult with others.

I can not and do not give medical advice.

Regards,

MGordonMD

7.20.2008