Obligatory | 1. Platelet Component Donors: Must not donate if: a) The pre-donation platelet count is less than 150 x 109/l.
b) The predicted post-donation platelet count is less than 100 x 109/l.
c) The platelet count is known to be more than 500 x 109/l.
2. Whole Blood Donors: Must not donate if: a) The platelet count is known to be less than 100 x 109/l.
b) The platelet count is known to be more than 500 x 109/l. |
Discretionary | 1. Platelet Component Donors: a) If the predicted post-donation platelet count is less than 100 x 109/l but more than 80 x109/l, discuss with a 'Designated Clinical Support Officer'. Under exceptional circumstances and with the donor's informed consent, accept.
b) If a platelet count of more than 500 x 109/l has been investigated and no cause that would lead to deferral has been found, with the permission of a 'Designated Clinical Support Officer', accept. |
See if Relevant | Immune Thrombocytopenia Thrombocytosis |
Additional Information | Taking a platelet donation from a donor with a platelet count lower than 150 x 109/l is unlikely to provide a therapeutic dose.
Leaving a platelet donor with a post-donation count below 80 x 109/l can leave them at risk of bleeding if they are involved in any form of trauma. As an example, a post-donation faint causing a head injury could have serious consequences.
Platelet counts of less than 100 x 109/l or more than 500 x 109/l may be due to an underlying disease process and should be investigated. |
Information | Part of this entry is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005. |
Reason for change | The entry has been extended to provide advice for whole blood donors and for all donors with high platelet counts.
Relevant links have been added. |
Donor Information | If 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. |