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

Prostate Problems

ObligatoryMust not donate if:
a) Due to malignancy.

b) Self catheterizes or has a catheter .

c) On treatment with anti-androgens.

d) Accompanied by infection.

e) Has been referred to a specialist for investigation of a high PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) level.
Discretionarya) For benign prostatic problems, if not requiring treatment, or only taking alpha blockers to relieve symptoms, accept.

b) If PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels are being monitored but no referral, biopsy or other treatment is planned, accept.
See if RelevantAnti-Androgens
Infection-General
Malignancy
Self-Catheterization
Surgery
Additional InformationProstate problems become increasingly common as men age. They may cause difficulty in passing water, having to pass water more frequently, or pain and discomfort. Men with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) who do not require treatment, or whose only treatment is with alpha blockers, may donate.

If they are being treated with Anti-Androgens (dutasteride (Avodart®) or finasteride (Proscar®)) special precautions are needed while taking these drugs and for sometime afterwards.

Malignancy must lead to permanent deferral.

Infection, or the possibility of infection, associated with catheterization will also lead to deferral. The interpretation of PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels depends on a number of factors. If the levels were thought to have been significantly abnormal, the individual would have been referred for biopsy or other investigations or treatment.
InformationPart of this entry is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005.
Reason for changeThis is a new entry.
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Update Information

This entry was last updated in:
DSG-WB Edition 203, Release 01.