Immune thrombocytopenia - Whole Blood and Components

Also known as: ITP

Essential information

Obligatory

Must not donate if:

  1. Symptomatic.
  2. Donor reports platelet count below 120 × 10⁹/L.
  3. Recovered but less than five years from recovery.
  4. This applies to both adult and childhood disease.
Discretionary

Individuals who have had a splenectomy and fulfil the other requirements, even if on prophylactic antibiotics, accept.

Supporting information

See if relevant

If treated with immunoglobulin or plasma exchange:

If treated with immunosuppressive therapy:

Additional information

Donors with reduced platelet counts may suffer from increased bleeding and bruising following a donation. This may have serious consequences.

Individuals who do not have problems with bleeding or bruising but know that their platelet count is less than 120 × 10⁹/L should not donate, as they also may have problems following venepuncture. There is no need to check the platelet count before whole blood donation if the potential donor has been asymptomatic for more than five years and has been told that their platelet count has recovered to greater than 120 × 10⁹/L.

Reason for change:
The links have been revised. The phrase 'Recovered but has ever had a recurrence' has been removed as this was considered too restrictive. This means individuals who have been splenectomised may be acceptable. The term 'Chronic' has been changed to a numerical value. 'Additional Information' has been added.
Version details:

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