JPAC Joint United Kingdom (UK) Blood Transfusion and Tissue Transplantation Services Professional Advisory Committee

Thrush

Also Known AsCandida, candidiasis, moniliasis or yeast.
1. Oral
ObligatoryMust not donate if:
a) Unexplained.

b) Related to immunosuppression.

c) Less than seven days after completion of any treatment.
See if RelevantAntibiotic Therapy
Asthma
Immunosuppression
Additional InformationOral thrush is uncommon, unless there is an underlying illness, or there has been recent treatment with antibiotics. It may also be a problem in people using steroid inhalers or antiseptic mouthwashes.

If the infection returns quickly after stopping treatment, this is very suggestive of underlying immunosuppression. The individual should not be accepted unless they have been properly investigated and an underlying immunodeficiency has been excluded. This is why we require any treatment to have been stopped for at least seven days.
Update InformationThis entry was last updated in:
DSG-WB Edition 203, Release 01.
Reason for changeAppropriate links and 'Additional Information' have been added.
2. Genitoanal
ObligatoryMust not donate if:
a) Related to immunosuppression.

b) Less than seven days after receiving systemic (oral) therapy.
DiscretionaryIf not related to immunodeficiency, even if using local therapy, accept.
See if RelevantAntibiotic Therapy
Immunosuppression
Additional InformationVaginal thrush is common and is not usually a sign of a more serious problem. Penile thrush is less common and is usually a problem in uncircumcised men. Both types of thrush can affect the whole of the perineal area including the anus. The yeast that causes thrush is usually present on everybody's skin so it should not normally be considered as a sexually transmitted infection.

If the infection requires systemic (oral) treatment, and returns quickly after stopping this treatment, it is suggestive of underlying immunosuppression. The individual should not be accepted unless they have been properly investigated and an underlying immunodeficiency has been excluded. This is why we require any systemic treatment to have been stopped for at least seven days.
Update InformationThis entry was last updated in:
DSG-WB Edition 203, Release 01.
Reason for changeThe term 'Vaginal' has been replaced with 'Genitoanal' recognising that it can affect men and the anal area.

Appropriate links and 'Additional Information' have been added.
Donor InformationIf you wish to obtain more information regarding a personal medical issue please contact your National Help Line.

Please do not contact this web site for personal medical queries, as we are not in a position to provide individual answers.