Who Shouldn't Donate Blood
Did you know that not everyone can donate blood?
Regular blood donors should be widely applauded for this selfless act which can be used to increase the lives of up to three recipients in one go, including life-saving jabs for chickenpox, Hepatitis B. Red blood cells, plasma and platelets are a vital lifeline for many medical treatments, yet only one in 30 people regularly donate blood; but what about those who can't give blood? Whether you've just finished a course of antibiotics, are sporting a tattoo or have just started dating a new partner – there may be a question mark over your eligibility as a blood donor.
1. Not feeling well?
If you are feeling under the weather with a cough, sore throat or the active sniffles, you should refrain from donating blood until you have recovered.
2. Be aware of CJD disease
If a member of your family has suffered from Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a rare and fatal brain disease, you will not be allowed to donate blood.
3. Have you been prescribed antibiotics by your doctor?
People who have just finished a course of antibiotics within the last seven days, or who have suffered any infection in the last two weeks, will be excluded from donating blood.
4. Sexual history
If you are gay and have recently had anal or oral sex with another man, you will need to wait 12 months before donating blood. No female who discovers her male partner has slept with another man will be allowed to donate blood for 12 months either. Anyone who has slept with a commercial sex worker will also need to wait 12 months before donating.
5. Suffer from Hepatitis or Jaundice?
Have you suffered from Hepatitis or Jaundice in the last 12 months? If so, you will not be allowed to donate blood for a further year.
6. Have you had a tattoo or needle treatments?
If you have recently had a tattoo, semi-permanent make-up or cosmetic treatment that freezes your skin, you will need to wait at least four months before booking an appointment to donate.
7. Mention past medical treatments
If you think that you have had blood given to you during a medical treatment or procedure since January 1980, sadly you will also be told that you are not allowed to donate blood.
8. Has your partner had a blood clotting disorder?
If you have recently had sex with someone who suffers from haemophilia or a blood clotting disorder (and has received clotting factor concentrate), you will need to wait a year before you are allowed to donate blood.
9. Remember to talk to your acupuncturist
Are you having regular acupuncture treatments? Make sure that your practitioner is a member of a governing body or that the treatment has gone through the NHS before you proceed and donate blood.
10. Do you recall having human pituitary extract?
Anyone who has had human pituitary extract (during fertility treatments or hormone treatments before 1985) cannot donate blood.
11. Consider HIV/AIDS
If you are sexually active with someone who is sexually active in parts of the world where HIV and AIDS are very common, you will be asked to return in 12 months.
12. Was there a relationship with a drug user?
If you have had sex with someone who has injected drugs in the past, you will need to wait 12 months before donating blood.
