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

Key Points

• This research aims to assess the residual infection risks of HIV, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B after a new donor deferral policy based on sexual risk behaviors.
• Implemented a gender-neutral sexual risk behavior-based screening approach for blood donors.
• Evaluated the effect on infection risk levels for HIV, HCV, and HBV after policy implementation.
• Residual risks of HIV, HCV, and HBV infection remain low following the new screening policy.
• The new policy has not negatively affected the overall safety of the Canadian blood supply.