Haemolytic anaemia - Whole Blood and Components

Essential information

Includes

Red cell disorders:

• Enzyme abnormalities e.g. G6PD deficiency, pyruvate kinase deficiency
• Membrane abnormalities e.g. hereditary spherocytosis, hereditary elliptocytosis
• Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria

Immune causes:

• Transfusion-related
• Drug-induced
• Autoimmune conditions

Other causes:

• Infection
• Toxins
• Venom
• Trauma e.g. march haemoglobinuria
• Liver disease e.g. cirrhosis, Wilson’s disease, pregnancy-induced including HELLP syndrome
• Malignancy

Excludes

Sickle cell syndrome, thalassemia syndrome – see Haemoglobin disorders

Obligatory

Must not donate.

Discretionary

1. If there is a known cause for the haemolysis that does not otherwise preclude donation (e.g. an adverse reaction to a medicine, march haemoglobinuria or a venomous bite) and the individual is completely recovered, accept.
2. Hereditary elliptocytosis not causing haemolysis or requiring splenectomy, accept.

Supporting information

See if relevant

• Autoimmune disease
• Haemoglobin disorders
• Liver disease
• Monoclonal antibody therapy and other biological modalities
• Splenectomy
• Steroid therapy
• Transfusion

Additional information

Causes of haemolytic anaemia include red cell and haemoglobin disorders.

Affected red cells are more likely to break down after collection. This could make the stored blood dangerous to transfuse.

Most cases of hereditary elliptocytosis do not affect red cell survival and may be accepted

Haemolytic anaemia can also be caused by immune reactions and other triggers. Care should be taken to establish the cause or associated condition and any treatment which may preclude donation or affect eligibility e.g. malignancy, splenectomy, transfusion, steroid or monoclonal antibody therapy. Only individuals who have otherwise had a distinct episode from which they have fully recovered, with no ongoing problems, no risk of recurrence and no ongoing specialist follow-up will usually be eligible.

Reason for change:

Addition of causes and associated conditions in a new ‘Includes’ section and into the ‘See if Relevant’ and ‘Additional Information’ sections with reference to treatments that may also affect eligibility. Addition of ‘Excludes’ section for clarification.

Version details:

WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 74 (26 November 2024)