Varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency - Whole Blood and Components

Essential information

Obligatory

Must not donate if:

  1. The donor has inflamed, broken or ulcerated skin.
  2. The donor has superficial thrombophlebitis.
  3. The donor has chronic venous insufficiency associated with persistent skin changes affecting skin integrity.
  4. It is within one week of treatment by injection (sclerotherapy).
  5. The donor has had laser therapy which has not yet healed.
Discretionary

If fully recovered from any non-surgical treatment and at least seven days after sclerotherapy, accept.

For surgical treatment, refer to Surgery.

Supporting information

See if relevant
Additional information

Varicose veins are not a reason for deferral. However if there is active inflammation, thrombosis or ulceration, the donor should be deferred. This is to minimise any risk of thrombosis in the donor or transfer of infection to the recipient.

There are many treatments for varicose veins, including sclerotherapy (injection of material to block the vein), endothermal or laser ablation, and surgery to remove affected veins. Newer treatments may also be available. It is important that the donor is fully recovered from any treatment.

Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition where the normal flow of blood from the lower limbs back to the heart is impaired, leading to pooling of blood (stasis) in the legs. It can give rise to persistent inflammation and ulceration of the skin. If this occurs, it is a blood safety risk, due to breach of the normal skin barriers to bacterial infection.

Reason for change:
Addition of chronic venous insufficiency to the title. New guidance for donors with persistent skin damage relating to venous insufficiency. Clarification of deferral requirements after treatment. Revision of See if Relevant section to reflect other DSG changes.
Version details:

WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 68 (09 May 2023)