A 64-year-old male prospective donor states he had a positive TB skin test last year and a negative x-ray afterward. What should be done?

Accepting a donor who had a positive TB skin test but subsequently showed a negative chest x-ray is consistent with blood donation guidelines. A positive skin test indicates exposure to the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria, but it does not confirm active disease. The negative x-ray indicates that there is no active TB infection present, which is critical in making the decision about donor eligibility.

In blood banking, the primary concern is ensuring that recipients of blood products do not acquire any infections, including active TB. Since this donor has shown no signs of active TB disease, and with evidence showing the absence of active infection as indicated by the negative chest x-ray, they can safely be accepted as a donor without a deferral period.

It is essential to remember that guidelines for donor eligibility are based on the risk of disease transmission and the health status of the donor at the time of donation. Since this individual does not pose a risk of transmitting an infectious disease due to the negative x-ray, acceptance as a donor aligns with the safety protocols in place.