Plasma can be donated at some blood donor clinics—it is a protein-rich liquid in blood that helps other blood components circulate throughout the body. Plasma is used to treat bleeding disorders, liver diseases, and many types of cancer. Gay, bisexual and other men who are having sex with men (gbMSM) cannot donate blood or plasma if they are sexually active.

New screening questions and more inclusive eligibility criteria are being explored that could be used to allow some sexually active gbMSM to donate. We aim to explore the acceptability of additional screening questions among gbMSM, identify any further barriers to donating plasma, and develop supports to address these barriers.

For more information and updates on this project, see details in the infographics below, on our study website, or connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, or email plasma@ohri.ca for more information on other opportunities to get involved.

We believe that gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men should be involved in the conversation as Canada moves to different screening approaches. Our research is designed to engage the voices and experiences of gay, bisexual and other men having sex with men at every step of the project.

Project Team

• PIs: Justin Presseau, Mindy Goldman
• Co-Is: Paul MacPherson, Sheila O'Brien, Joanne Otis, Marc Germain, Dana Devine, Don Lapierre, Andrew Rosser, Elisabeth Vesnaver, Terrie Butler-Foster, Nolan Hill
  
• London Local Advisory Group: Taim Bilal Al-Bakri, Broderic Clement-Thorne, Wil Osbourne-Sorrell, Richard MacDonagh, Taylor Randall, Kyle Rubini
• Calgary Local Advisory Group: William Bridel, Andrew Clapperton, Mark Greaves, Maximillian Labrecque, Glenndl Miguel, Shane Orvis, Marco Reid
• Project coordinator: Emily Gibson

Funded by: Health Canada and Canadian Blood Services