Splenectomy - Whole Blood and Components

Essential information

Obligatory

Must not donate if:

1. For malignancy.
2. For a myeloproliferative disorder.
3. For haemolytic anaemia.

Discretionary

1. If for trauma, when recovered, even if taking prophylactic antibiotics, accept.
2. If for immune thrombocytopenia, if at least five years from recovery, even if taking prophylactic antibiotics, accept.

Supporting information

See if relevant

• Haematological disease
• Immune thrombocytopenia
• Malignancy
• Surgery
• Transfusion

Additional information

If haemolysis is severe enough to require splenectomy, it is likely to significantly reduce affect red cell survival in storage. This may be dangerous for any recipient.

Reason for change:

The permanent deferral of individuals who have had a splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenia has been removed. Relevant links and 'Additional Information' have been added.

Version details:

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