Ebola and gamete donation: Update from the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) Ebola working group.
The ACDP Ebola Working Group has recently reviewed the evidence around Ebola Virus Disease and has made new recommendations regarding deferral of gamete donations for people who have travelled to Ebola endemic areas. The current deferral period for gamete donors is six months.
The new recommendations from the Ebola Working Group are:
- Lifetime deferral for Ebola virus survivors should remain in place
- Male and female gamete donors should defer from donating for two years after leaving an area affected at the time by an Ebola outbreak; individuals being monitored after exposure to Ebola virus should also be excluded from donation for two years from the last day of exposure.
The Working Group notes that this may affect donations of gametes that have already been taken and are in storage.
Further information from the ACDP can be found in the letter attached.
The HFEA is currently working with the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) to review these recommendations and will issue formal guidance on deferral periods for travellers once this review is complete.
In the meantime, the HFEA advises that clinics consider these recommendations when assessing the suitability of prospective gamete donors and of donated gametes currently in storage. If you have any questions about the new recommendations, please contact your HFEA Inspector.
Published: 09/02/2017