News | Taiwan Blood Services Foundation ESG

Adjustment of Blood Donation Standards: Broadening Donor Eligibility and Strengthening Blood Safety
 

On July 2, 2025 (ROC Year 114), the Ministry of Health and Welfare issued Order No. 1141414229 to announce the amendment of the “Health Standards for Blood Donors.” The key points of the revision include lowering the age and weight thresholds for donation and enhancing blood safety. The minimum donation age has been lowered from 17 to 16. For senior donors over the age of 65, as long as they meet the health standards and have an eligible donation record within the past two years, they may donate after evaluation. However, senior donors over the age of 70 are still required by law to obtain a physician’s consent.

Additionally, the minimum body weight for whole blood donors has been standardized to 45 kilograms across all genders.

In terms of travel history regulations, the previous restriction of “postponing donation for 1 year after returning from malaria-endemic areas” has been relaxed to “postponing donation for less than 3 months from the date of departure from malaria-endemic regions.” Furthermore, new regulations stipulate that donors must postpone donation for less than one month from the date of leaving dengue fever and Zika virus-affected regions. For information on epidemic areas, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control’s international travel health advisory website.

To strengthen blood safety, the Taiwan Blood Services Foundation has implemented nucleic acid testing (NAT) for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV since February 1, 2013. This amendment officially incorporates these tests into law as mandatory procedures for blood collection agencies.

In response to the revised “Health Standards for Blood Donors,” the Foundation has long been preparing system updates and personnel training in coordination with the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration. The goal is to ensure donors feel secure while donating, enhance the safety of blood products, and provide additional care and attention to senior donors.

Taiwan is facing the dual challenges of an aging population and declining birthrates. The number of donors under the age of 20 has dropped by 57% over the past decade, signaling a growing instability in the blood supply. The Ministry’s updated standards aim to expand the donor pool, a move we fully support and welcome.

To increase youth participation and strengthen the resilience of the medical blood supply, the Foundation has published a popular science book for high school and college students titled The River Within: A Journey Through Blood. By fostering early education and presenting engaging knowledge, the book aims to inspire younger generations to donate blood. Moving forward, the Foundation will continue optimizing donation services to ensure a steady and sufficient blood supply, serving as the strongest support for the frontlines of healthcare.

Issued by: Taiwan Blood Services Foundation
Date: July 2, 2025
Contact Office: Operations Department – 02-2351-1600 ext. 311
Spokesperson: Director Richard Hung – 02-2351-1600 ext. 311 / 0910-037947