Prostate problems - Whole Blood and Components

Essential information

Obligatory

Must not donate if:

1. Due to malignancy.
2. The donor has an indwelling urinary catheter, or it is less than seven days since catheterisation.
3. On treatment with anti-androgens.
4. Accompanied by infection.
5. Has been referred to a specialist for investigation of a high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level.

Discretionary

1. For benign prostatic problems, if not requiring treatment, or only taking alpha blockers to relieve symptoms, accept.
2. If PSA levels are being monitored but no referral, biopsy or other treatment is planned, accept.

Supporting information

See if relevant

• Anti-androgens
• Infection, general
• Malignancy
• Surgery
• Urinary catheterisation

Additional information

Prostate problems become increasingly common as men age. They may cause difficulty in passing water, having to pass water more frequently, or pain and discomfort. Men with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) who do not require treatment, or whose only treatment is with alpha blockers, may donate.

If they are being treated with anti-androgens (dutasteride (Avodart®) or finasteride (Proscar®)) special precautions are needed while taking these drugs and for some time afterwards.

Malignancy must lead to permanent deferral.

Infection, or the possibility of infection, associated with catheterisation will also lead to deferral. The interpretation of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels depends on a number of factors. If the levels were thought to have been significantly abnormal, the individual would have been referred for biopsy or other investigations or treatment.

Reason for change:

The deferral for donors who use a urinary catheter has been reworded and the See if Relevant section has been revised.

Version details:

WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 61 (22 February 2022)