Becoming a Blood Donor
Becoming a donor of any kind is an incredibly admirable, and worthwhile thing to do and we commend anyone who is currently a donor and helping to save the lives of others.
As with any medical procedure, there are restrictions and exclusions which can apply, this applies to becoming a blood and/or plasma donor.
If you are considering becoming a donor, the first thing you will need to do is access the NHS Blood Donation website www.blood.co.uk and read all the criteria information about becoming a donor, an extract of which is included here.
To donate blood you will need to:
- be generally fit and well
- be aged between 17 and 65
- weigh between 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and 25 stone (158kg)
- have suitable veins (we will check these before you donate)
- meet all donor eligibility criteria (we will check this with you before you donate)
You can’t donate blood if you:
- have had most types of cancer
- have some heart conditions
- have received blood, platelets, plasma or any other blood products after 1 January 1980
- have tested positive for HIV
- have had an organ transplant
- are a hepatitis B carrier
- are a hepatitis C carrier
- have injected non-prescribed drugs including body-building and injectable tanning agents. You may be able to give if a doctor prescribed the drugs
There are other medical conditions that may mean you can’t donate.
It is essential you read the health and eligibility section, which includes the following information regarding Chiari malformationAn anatomical abnormality affecting the lowermost part of brain, where it joins the spinal cord, at the top of the neck. Various sub-types are described – see under their individual names. The term hindbrain hernia is sometimes used to incorporate all forms.:
Arnold Chiari Malformation : Neurosurgery
You cannot donate if you have been treated with a blood transfusion since 01st January 1980, if you have been diagnosed with any malignancy, if you have an indwelling shuntA shunt shifts one object, or volume of fluid (or gas or electrical current), from one place to another. In the context of neurosurgical practice we are considering cerebrospinal fluid, which is diverted from the ventricles of the brain, or the spinal theca, into another part of the body, most often the peritoneal cavity., if you have had any neurosurgery before 1992 (other than Burr HoleA small hole, usually about 15 to 20mm in diameter, which is drilled through the skull, using either a hand-held bit and brace or, more often these days, an electrically or pneumatically powered drill. Several different types of neurosurgical procedures can be carried out through a burr hole, including placement of shunt catheters and passage of a ventriculoscope. surgery) or if you need to use a permanent catheter.
If you are thinking about becoming a blood and/or plasma donor. It is important to check that you are able to donate, prior to registering. You can do this by contacting the Blood Service helpline on 0300 123 23 23, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and speaking with their ClinicalDerived from the Greek term for a bed, this word refers to activities, or diagnoses made on the basis of talking to and examining a patient. It should precede any special investigations, which are directed by the clinical findings. Latterly, the word has been adopted and distorted, in a rather curious way, by football commentators. Support Team for advice regarding eligibility. They may then need to transfer you to the Referral Team who can deal with more complex issues.
This is the advice that the Blood and Transfusion service recommended we give to anyone with Chiari malformationAn anatomical abnormality affecting the lowermost part of brain, where it joins the spinal cord, at the top of the neck. Various sub-types are described – see under their individual names. The term hindbrain hernia is sometimes used to incorporate all forms. or any other health condition/s.
The information contained in this article was accurate at the time of production, however this is always subject to change.
We are providing this information, for awareness purposes.