All of the following are causes of permanent donor deferral except which one?

• A. Positive HIV antibody test
• B. History of hepatitis C infection
• C. Chronic HBV infection
• D. Incarcerated individuals

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that some deferrals are permanent because they reflect infections that can be lifelong and transmissible through blood products, while others are temporary because they’re related to a current risk period rather than a persistent infection. A positive HIV antibody test means HIV infection, which is lifelong, so it warrants a permanent donor deferral. A history of hepatitis C infection indicates prior exposure and potential chronic infection, and because of the ongoing risk of transmission, that deferral is permanent. Chronic hepatitis B infection means ongoing presence of the virus, again posing a permanent deferral. Incarcerated individuals, however, are deferred for a limited period due to a temporary elevated risk factor environment, not because of a persistent infection; after the deferral period and no new risk factors, they may be eligible to donate. So the exception—i.e., the one not permanently deferred—is incarceration.