Endocarditis

Subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE).

Must not donate if:
a) Has active infection.

b) Has a heart defect that limits activity.

Cardiac Surgery
Cardiovascular Disease
Infection - General
Transfusion

People with heart problems that may lead to endocarditis (inflammation of the heart lining, heart muscles and heart valves) may not be fit to donate because of either their heart defect or because of treatment for it. This may have included surgery and transfusion.

This is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005.

This new entry replaces the previous entry for 'Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis'. It recognizes that the cause of endocarditis is not always bacterial and the course is not always subacute.

The entry has also been changed from the previous entry for 'Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis'. In particular, any risk of developing endocarditis as a result of venepuncture is now considered insignificant. There has also been a NICE review of when antibiotics are needed for prophylaxis against endocarditis. This has resulted in the guideline no longer referring to taking 'antibiotics when having dental treatment' as this is no longer advised.

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.