最終更新日 2026年10月2日
Until now, individuals who had received a placenta injection even once were generally ineligible to donate blood.
However, the blood donation criteria have been revised, and from October 1, 2026, blood donation is permitted once 3 months have passed since the last placenta injection.
This is an important policy change for those who have wondered, “Does receiving a placenta injection mean I can never donate blood?” or “How long do I have to wait before I can donate blood?”
Why Was Blood Donation Previously Restricted After Placenta Injections?
Placenta injections, which contain human placental extract, were previously subject to blood donation restrictions as a precautionary measure related to the potential risk of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD).
The restriction was introduced to help ensure the safety of donated blood by taking a cautious approach to theoretical risks.
Please note that this restriction applied only to blood donation. It did not prevent individuals who had received placenta injections from receiving blood transfusions.
Why Were the Blood Donation Restrictions Revised?
The policy was reviewed based on factors including the occurrence of vCJD in Japan and overseas, scientific assessment of transmission risk, and blood donation policies in other countries.
Following this review, new blood donation criteria took effect on October 1, 2026.
Under the current rules, individuals who have received the approved human placental extract products Laennec or Melsmon must wait 3 months after their last injection before donating blood.
For further details, please refer to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) official Q&A:
Q&A on the Review of Blood Donation Restrictions Related to Travel History in Europe and the Use of Human Placental Extract Injections (October 2026)
“Placenta Injections Mean You Can Never Donate Blood” Is Now Outdated
You may still find information online stating:
“If you receive placenta injections, you can never donate blood.”
“Once you receive a placenta injection, you are permanently ineligible to donate blood.”
These statements reflect the blood donation criteria that were in effect until September 30, 2026.
From October 1, 2026, individuals who have received eligible placenta injections may donate blood once 3 months have passed since their last injection.
Please note that this revised policy applies to the approved human placental extract products Laennec and Melsmon.
Eligibility to donate blood is also subject to other health and donation criteria, and the final decision is made based on the screening questionnaire and medical assessment at the blood donation site.
* As placenta injections are specified biological products, informed consent is still required before treatment.
About Placenta Injections
At Hada no Clinic, placenta injections are administered under medical supervision with careful attention to safety.
For more information about the effects and precautions of placenta injections, please visit our Placenta Injections page.
Summary
- Blood donation restrictions after placenta injections were eased on October 1, 2026.
- After receiving Laennec or Melsmon, you may donate blood once 3 months have passed since your last injection.
- The statement that “placenta injections permanently prevent blood donation” is no longer consistent with the current blood donation criteria.
- Final eligibility to donate blood is determined based on the screening questionnaire and medical assessment at the blood donation site.
- The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Japanese Red Cross Society provide information on the revised criteria.
