Osteoarthritis - Whole Blood and Components

Essential information

Obligatory

Must not donate if:

It is less than four months from any invasive treatment or investigation including but not limited to joint injections.

Discretionary

If the donor has been treated by joint injection, and

• treatment was performed within the NHS, or treatment was performed by qualified healthcare professional (as defined in the Complementary therapy entry), and
• if it is at least 7 days from any joint injection with steroid, and
• it is at least 4 months from any joint injection with autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP)

accept.

Supporting information

See if relevant

• Complementary therapy - for list of qualified healthcare professionals
• Disabled donor
• Drug Index - Drugs and platelet donation
• Endoscopy
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Steroid therapy

Additional information

Donors who have severe pain or disability that makes it difficult for them to get on or off the bleed bed should not donate.

Medicines taken for arthritis may affect platelet function. This can be checked in the Drug Index.

Some individuals may undergo arthroscopy as part of the assessment and investigation of their condition; this is usually performed by a rigid endoscope (see Endoscopy).

Some individuals may receive joint injections to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. These may be intra-articular (into the joint) or periarticular (around the joint). Treatments may include steroids, hyaluronic acid or platelet rich plasma. Individuals who have received autologous platelet rich plasma must wait at least four months before donation. If the donor is uncertain about the treatment that was given, refer to a DCSO.

Reason for change:

Guidance on the acceptance of donors treated with joint injection has been added. A link to Endoscopy has been added.

Version details:

WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 72 (31 July 2024)