Residual risk of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B following implementation of sexual risk behavior-based screening in Canada.

BACKGROUND

In 2022, Canadian Blood Services implemented a gender-neutral sexual behavior-based screening (SBBS) approach to donor deferral, replacing time-based criteria targeting gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) and female partners of gbMSM. We assessed the impact of this policy change on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV), and hepatitis B (HBV) prevalence, incidence, and residual risk.

STUDY DESIGN AND

METHODS

We compared prevalence rates among first-time donors, incidence rates, and residual risk for allogeneic donations made in the 3 years pre-SBBS implementation and 3 years post-SBBS implementation.

RESULTS

HIV and HBV prevalence remained steady while HCV prevalence increased among first-time donors post SBSS-implementation. Point estimates for incidence rates and residual risks decreased for each marker post-implementation, but differences were not significant. Residual risks post-implementation were 1 in 34.7 million for HIV, 1 in 64.1 million for HCV, and 1 in 3.1 million for HBV.

DISCUSSION: Residual risks of infection remain low following the implementation of a gender-neutral sexual risk behavior-based approach to donor deferral. This policy change has not negatively impacted the safety of the Canadian blood supply.