It contains physiological fluids, as well as various proteins and minerals including calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. The new procedure reportedly only uses the blood’s plasma component. The transparent plasma can be used to treat burn victims, liver patients, transplant recipients and hemophiliacs. After this period of time, they will have to return for a second donation - if this donation comes back negative for HIV and other infections, the first donation will be approved for use. Men who have had sex with men in the 12 months before will have their blood donation checked for infectious diseases, then frozen for four months. The new pilot program, which will begin operation in April, does involve a more complex process. The new amendment means that men who have sex with men (MSM) will now be able to donate blood without the 12 month period of celibacy beforehand. Now, Israel has implemented a progressive alternative, created by the Israeli Health Ministry, as well as Kulanu lawmaker Merav Ben Ari and the MDA. Last year, Israel lifted the lifetime ban on same-sex attracted men donating blood to Magen David Adom (MDA) - the Israeli equivalent to the Red Cross - instead choosing to employ the 1-year abstinence policy that is common across the world.
