An infected wound, a sore or an ulcer is a risk for bacteria entering the blood. Bacteria can be a serious threat to anybody receiving blood or blood components. This is because bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels after collection.
A small individual aphthous ulcer in an otherwise healthy person does not pose such a risk. Donors with recurrent severe aphthous ulceration may have a serious underlying condition, such as an autoimmune disease.
Persistently inflamed or broken skin, usually of the lower limbs, is a complication of a range of medical conditions which affect the cardiovascular and/or lymphatic systems. There is an increased risk of bacterial contamination in a blood donation if the donor’s normal skin integrity is impaired.
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