Diverticular disease - Whole Blood and Components

Essential information

Obligatory

Must not donate if:

1. Has symptoms of diverticulitis.
2. Less than seven days from completing systemic antibiotic treatment.

Discretionary

If the donor has no symptoms other than mild abdominal pain or constipation, accept.

Supporting information

See if relevant

• Endoscopy
• Infection, general
• Investigations
• Stoma
• Surgery

Additional information

Diverticula are pouches sticking out of the side of the large bowel (colon). They become more common as a person ages (50% of people have them by the age of 50, and 70% by the age of 80). Often they are an incidental finding when the large bowel is examined. This is known as diverticulosis and is not a problem. About a quarter of people who have diverticula have symptoms and this is known as diverticular disease. Symptoms are commonly related to pain and constipation but the condition can lead to infection (diverticulitis) and bleeding. Some people may require surgery.

Reason for change:

This is a new entry. The previous entry on diverticulosis did not deal with any of the complications of diverticular disease.

Version details:

WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 01 (01 June 2010)