Osteoarthritis

Must not donate if it is less than four months from any invasive treatment or investigation including but not limited to joint injections.

If the donor has been treated by joint injection, and

• treatment was performed within the NHS, or treatment was performed by Qualified Health Care Professional (as defined in the Complementary Therapy entry), and
• if it is at least 7 days from any joint injection with steroid, and
• it is at least 4 months from any joint injection with autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP)

accept.

Complementary Therapy (for the approved list of Qualified Health Care Professionals)
Disabled Donor
Drug Index - Drugs and Platelet Donations
Endoscopy
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Steroid Therapy

Donors who have severe pain or disability that makes it difficult for them to get on or off the bleed bed should not donate.

Medicines taken for arthritis may affect platelet function. This can be checked in the Drug Index.

Some individuals may undergo arthroscopy as part of the assessment and investigation of their condition; this is usually performed by a rigid endoscope (see Endoscopy).

Some individuals may receive joint injections to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. These may be intra-articular (into the joint) or periarticular (around the joint). Treatments may include steroids, hyaluronic acid or platelet rich plasma. Individuals who have received autologous platelet rich plasma must wait at least four months before donation. If the donor is uncertain about the treatment that was given, refer to a DCSO.

Guidance on the acceptance of donors treated with joint injection has been added. A link to Endoscopy has been added.

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.