Chronic fatigue syndrome - Whole Blood and Components

Also known as: CFS

Essential information

Includes

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), post-viral fatigue syndrome, systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID).

Obligatory

Must not donate.

Discretionary

If donor gives a history of fatigue following a viral infection, e.g. Glandular fever, with no relapse of symptoms and it is at least six months since all symptoms resolved, accept.

Supporting information

Additional information

CFS is generally diagnosed by excluding other conditions and may follow an infection that may or may not have been viral and which may be carried by the affected individual.

It is most common between the ages of 25 and 45 years and women are affected more often than men. It is associated with easily induced and prolonged episodes of fatigue often accompanied by other symptoms.

The condition is relapsing by nature and donation may make symptoms worse, or provoke a relapse in an affected individual.

Post viral fatigue can occur after an acute viral infection. Symptoms of fatigue can last weeks or months and may follow a relapsing course. It is important that individuals have fully recovered before being accepted to donate.

Reason for change:

A discretion to accept donors who have fully recovered from fatigue associated with an acute viral infection has been added.

Version details:

WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 69 (04 July 2023)