| Obligatory | All donors:
Must not donate if:
a) Under investigation for an abnormal platelet count.
b) The platelet count is known to be less than 150 × 109/L.
c) The platelet count is known to be more than 450 × 109/L.
d) Any underlying cause precludes donation.
In addition, for Platelet Component Donors only:
Must not donate if:
The predicted post-donation platelet count is less than 100 × 109/L. |
| Discretionary | a) If a donor has been investigated for an abnormal platelet count and
- no underlying cause has been identified that would lead to deferral, and
- the donor does not require any monitoring or follow up,
accept
b) If testing by the blood transfusion service finds a donor to have a platelet count which is outside the normal range, the donor can be accepted if their results comply with local policies and procedures. Blood transfusion services should have a written policy for management of donors who are found to have a platelet count of less than 150 × 109/L or more than 450 × 109/L during donation testing. |
| See if Relevant | Haematological Disease
Immune Thrombocytopenia
Platelet Disorder
Thrombosis and Thrombophilia |
| Additional Information | Taking a platelet donation from a donor with a platelet count lower than 150 × 109/L is unlikely to provide a therapeutic dose.
Platelet counts outside of the normal range (i.e. less than 150 × 109/L or more than 450 × 109/L may be due to an underlying disease process. High platelet counts can also be associated with iron deficiency. Transfusion services should ensure that, where abnormal platelet counts are identified as part of routine donation testing, these are reviewed and managed appropriately. Further investigation may be required for donors with persistently abnormal results. |
| Information | Part of this entry is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005. |
| Reason for change | Additions to the Obligatory and See if Relevant sections. |
| 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. |