Periods - Whole Blood and Components

Also known as: menstruation

Essential information

Obligatory

Must not donate if:

1. Period has been missed.
2. If under investigation for heavy and prolonged periods.
3. Has uncontrolled period pain.

Discretionary

1. If a period has been missed, pregnancy can be excluded and the donor is well, accept.
2. If the potential donor is taking supplemental iron to prevent anaemia, is not under investigation for heavy or prolonged periods and understands that donation will make anaemia more likely, accept.
3. If taking medication to decrease blood loss, e.g. etamsylate (Dicynene®), tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron®), accept.

Supporting information

See if relevant

• Anaemia (iron deficiency)
• Drug Index - Drugs and platelet donation
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Pregnancy
• Surgery

Additional information

It is okay to donate while having a period. However, the combination of blood loss from periods and donation will make iron deficiency anaemia more likely, particularly if the periods are heavy or prolonged. This affect can be minimised by taking supplemental iron.

If the donor feels unwell because of their period, they should not donate but if period pain is well controlled by medication, they may be accepted. It is important that the type of medication taken, and its affect on platelet function is noted.

Reason for change:

The entry has been rewritten for greater clarity. A 'Discretionary' entry has been added for donors taking drugs to reduce blood loss.

Version details:

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