Additional Information | Varicose veins are not a reason for deferral. However if there is active inflammation, thrombosis or ulceration, the donor should be deferred. This is to minimise any risk of thrombosis in the donor or transfer of infection to the recipient.
There are many treatments for varicose veins, including sclerotherapy (injection of material to block the vein), endothermal or laser ablation, and surgery to remove affected veins. Newer treatments may also be available. It is important that the donor is fully recovered from any treatment.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency is a condition where the normal flow of blood from the lower limbs back to the heart is impaired, leading to pooling of blood (stasis) in the legs. It can give rise to persistent inflammation and ulceration of the skin. If this occurs, it is a blood safety risk, due to breach of the normal skin barriers to bacterial infection.
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