Inflammatory bowel disease - Whole Blood and Components

Also known as: IBD

Essential information

Includes

Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis, collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis.

Obligatory

Must not donate.

Discretionary

If diagnosed with microscopic colitis, collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis only, accept if:

• asymptomatic for more than four months, and
• any deferral required for steroid or immunosuppressive therapy has passed.

Supporting information

See if relevant

• Autoimmune disease
• Immunodeficiency
• Steroid therapy

Additional information

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis usually have a chronic, relapsing course and require long-term treatment. These diseases will often have systemic effects, e.g. Fatigue or anaemia, and there can be association with other disorders, e.g. arthritis, which effects the donor’s general health.

Lesions in the gastrointestinal tract of individuals with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis caused by the disease can increase the risk of bacteria entering the blood stream. Bacteria in donated material can multiply to dangerous levels during storage.

Microscopic colitis and its subtypes (collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis) are classified as inflammatory bowel diseases. However, there is a lower likelihood of relapsing disease and longer-term complications. Individuals with microscopic colitis can donate once their symptoms have settled and they feel well. A four-month deferral ensures the donor’s recovery is maintained. Care should be taken to ensure that, as well as complete cessation of gastrointestinal symptoms, donors are not experiencing any extra-intestinal symptoms such as fatigue, arthralgia or myalgia that affect normal activities of daily living.

Reason for change:

Link updated from 'Immunosuppression' to 'Immunodeficiency' in the 'See if Relevant' section.

Version details:

WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 73 (07 October 2024)