| Obligatory | Must not donate if: a) Symptomatic. b) Donor reports platelet count below 120 x 109/l. c) Recovered but less than five years from recovery. This applies to both adult and childhood disease. |
| Discretionary | Individuals who have had a splenectomy and fulfil the other requirements, even if on prophylactic antibiotics, accept. |
| See if Relevant | If treated with immunoglobulin or plasma exchange: Transfusion If treated with immunosuppressive therapy: Autoimmune Disease |
| Additional Information | Donors with reduced platelet counts may suffer from increased bleeding and bruising following a donation. This may have serious consequences. Individuals who do not have problems with bleeding or bruising but know that their platelet count is less than 120 x 109/l should not donate, as they also may have problems following venepuncture. There is no need to check the platelet count before whole blood donation if the potential donor has been asymptomatic for more than five years and has been told that their platelet count has recovered to greater than 120x109/l.. |
| Information | This is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005. |
| Reason for change | The links have been revised. The phrase 'Recovered but has ever had a recurrence' has been removed as this was considered too restrictive. This means individuals who have been splenectomised may be acceptable. The term 'Chronic' has been changed to a numerical value of 120 x109/l. 'Additional Information' has 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. |