Plasma Donation and Tuberculosis: Eligibility & Risks

Individuals with active tuberculosis (TB) are deferred from plasma donation to prevent potential transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to recipients. Although plasma is separated from cellular components, bacillemia can occur in disseminated TB, and the theoretical risk is unacceptable for blood products.

Deferral Criteria (per AABB/FDA guidance):

• Active TB disease (pulmonary or extrapulmonary).
• Current anti‑TB treatment.
• History of untreated latent TB infection (LTBI).

Re‑entry: After documented completion of adequate therapy (typically 6–9 months) and confirmation of cure (clinical, radiographic, microbiologic), donors may be re‑evaluated. Latent TB treated with isoniazid/rifampin regimens may not require permanent deferral once treatment is complete and cured.

Screening includes health questionnaire, symptom review, and sometimes interferon‑gamma release assay (IGRA) or tuberculin skin test. These safeguards protect the blood supply and public health.