Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Superficial vein thrombosis; Thrombophlebitis; Phlebitis

Inflammation of a superficial vein due to a blood clot. For the purposes of donor selection, superficial thrombophlebitis is not considered to be a significant clotting episode unless the clot has extended to a deep vein.

Must not donate if:
a) It is less than 7 days since recovery and cessation of treatment; or
b) It is less than 14 days since recovery from an associated infection; or
c) The donor is under investigation for recurrent superficial thrombophlebitis; or
d) The donor has a history of recurrent superficial thrombophlebitis associated with thrombophilia; or
e) An underlying cause has been identified which would preclude donation; or
f) It is associated with poor skin integrity of the lower limbs, arising as a complication of varicose veins and/or chronic venous insufficiency.

a) If associated with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), refer to the Thrombosis and Thrombophilia entry.
b) Otherwise, if:

• It is at least 7 days since recovery and treatment (including NSAIDs or anticoagulants), and
• It is at least 14 days since recovery from an associated infection, and
• The donor is not under investigation, and
• Any underlying cause does not preclude donation, and
• The donor does not have chronic skin damage which could pose an infection risk,

Accept.

Thrombosis and Thrombophilia
Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Superficial thrombophlebitis is a common condition usually, but not exclusively, affecting the lower limbs. It is caused by clot formation in a superficial vein which in turn gives rise to inflammation with associated pain, tenderness, redness and hardness of the vein. Usually the condition is mild and self-limiting, settling over a few weeks. Treatment is typically pain relief and NSAIDs. Antibiotics should only be prescribed if there is associated infection.

Superficial thrombophlebitis can sometimes occur in association with DVT. Some patients with thrombophlebitis may be treated with anticoagulants to reduce any risk of the clot extending to a deep vein. 


Risk factors for superficial thrombophlebitis include varicose veins; a previous history of thrombophlebitis; IV cannulation; female sex; the oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy; thrombophilia, increasing age; some autoimmune diseases; and cancer. Provided a serious underlying cause is not suspected or has been excluded, a history of thrombophlebitis on its own is not a reason for deferral. However donors with a history of thrombophilia associated with repeated episodes of thrombophlebitis should be deferred.


Individuals with complications of varicose veins affecting the lower limb are at risk of recurrent superficial thrombophlebitis. It is important that donors with recurrent episodes are asked about any skin damage, such as inflamed venous eczema or skin ulceration, before being accepted. This is to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination of donated blood arising from a breach of the normal skin defences.

This is a new entry. It replaces the previous ‘Phlebitis’ entry.