Northfield, Ill. (July 10, 2025)—The College of American Pathologists (CAP) published a statement opposing requirements for labeling blood products based on a donor’s COVID-19 vaccination status and mandating access to directed or autologous donations on this basis.
“There is no scientific basis for labeling blood by vaccine status,” said CAP President Donald S. Karcher, MD, FCAP. “Such mandates would endanger patient care and strain a system already working to meet urgent clinical needs.”
Studies confirm that blood from vaccinated donors is safe, and there is no evidence SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted via transfusion. Segregating blood products would reduce availability, increase costs, and result in greater waste - particularly for short-shelf-life products like platelets. There is also no validated test to determine vaccination status through blood, making such labeling inaccurate and impractical.
The CAP joins leading health organizations, including the Food and Drug Administration, Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, America’s Blood Centers, and the American Red Cross, in affirming that blood from vaccinated donors is safe and that the blood supply must remain science-driven, not politicized.
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About the College of American Pathologists
As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, visit the CAP Newsroom, CAP.org and yourpathologist.org to watch pathologists at work and see the stories of the patients who trust them with their care.