Prostate Problems

Must not donate if:
a) Due to malignancy.

b) The donor has an indwelling urinary catheter, or it is less than seven days since catheterisation.

c) On treatment with anti-androgens.

d) Accompanied by infection.

e) Has been referred to a specialist for investigation of a high PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) level.

a) For benign prostatic problems, if not requiring treatment, or only taking alpha blockers to relieve symptoms, accept.

b) If PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels are being monitored but no referral, biopsy or other treatment is planned, accept.

Anti-Androgens
Infection-General
Malignancy
Urinary Catheterisation
Surgery

Prostate problems become increasingly common as men age. They may cause difficulty in passing water, having to pass water more frequently, or pain and discomfort. Men with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) who do not require treatment, or whose only treatment is with alpha blockers, may donate.

If they are being treated with Anti-Androgens (dutasteride (Avodart^®) or finasteride (Proscar^®)) special precautions are needed while taking these drugs and for some time afterwards.

Malignancy must lead to permanent deferral.

Infection, or the possibility of infection, associated with catheterisation will also lead to deferral. The interpretation of PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels depends on a number of factors. If the levels were thought to have been significantly abnormal, the individual would have been referred for biopsy or other investigations or treatment.

Part of this entry is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005.

The deferral for donors who use a urinary catheter has been reworded and the See if Relevant section has been revised.

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