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HIV Blood Donation — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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EasyHIV MedicineHIV Blood DonationSCE Infectious Diseases

A 40-year-old woman with well-controlled HIV on ART attends for her annual review. She has been virally suppressed for 7 years with CD4 consistently >500. She asks whether she can donate blood. What is the current UK policy?

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Correct answer: C — People living with HIV cannot donate blood in the UK regardless of viral suppression

In the UK, people living with HIV are permanently deferred from blood donation (NHS Blood and Transplant policy). This applies regardless of viral load suppression, CD4 count, or duration on ART. While U=U applies to sexual transmission, the blood supply requires an additional margin of safety due to the potential for very low-level viraemia below detection thresholds and the window period of testing. Some countries are reviewing this policy, but as of 2026, the UK maintains permanent deferral.

Reference: NHSBT 2024 – Blood donation eligibility; BHIVA 2022 – Living with HIV guidance