"While the final FDA guidance describes a pathway for previously deferred donors to give blood, it will take several months for blood centers to update their computer systems, modify processes and procedures, train staff and implement these extensive changes," the statement added. According to the Food and Drug Administration, this pre-screening eliminates up to 90 percent of donors who. Learn about federal regulations related to blood donation by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and Gender non-conforming. "This policy change aligns the MSM donor deferral period with those for other activities that may pose a similar risk of transfusion-transmissible infections." In December 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) moved from a lifetime ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood to a deferral of one year for any man who has had sex with another man during the past 12 months. "AABB, America's Blood Centers and the Red Cross support the FDA's decision to change the MSM blood donation policy from a lifetime deferral to a one-year deferral," the agencies stated. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. However, three of the largest blood donation agencies in the nation - the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), America's Blood Centers and the American Red Cross – have released a joint statement in support of the FDA decision. San Diego Blood Bank must collect more than 350 units of blood each day to meet the needs of local patients who are battling life-threatening blood disorders and cancers, suffering from traumas such as burns or serious accidents, or even complications from childbirth. While blood banks typically follow federal guidelines regarding donor qualifications, establishments may voluntarily elect more stringent donor deferral criteria, the FDA states on its website. Right now in the U.S., gay and bisexual men (often referred to as MSM, or men who have sex with men) are not allowed to give blood if they’ve had sex with another man in the past three months.