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Blood Donor

Posted , 3 users are following.

Dave.B
Dave.B

Hi all, 

ive been a blood donor since the age of 18 & I'm now 45 but after notifying the blood donor team I have been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis I was told I can no longer be a donor. 

Just wondering if anyone else has been told the same & if my Bronchiectasis can be controlled could I become a donor again. 

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • lesley05714
    lesley05714 Dave.B

    Posted

    really?? that's interesting...
    • Dave.B
      Dave.B lesley05714

      Posted

      Hi Lesley, 

      according to the email they sent me it's because when you have Bronchiectasis you have a permanent infection which is in the blood & can't be used for a transfusion. I was gutted when they told me as loved being a donor. 

  • mizsuzyq
    mizsuzyq Dave.B

    Posted

    First I heard of it. Next visit to doc, I will ask.  By the way, everyone, for the first time in all these years, I do not have to see my doc in three months, it's 6 months!! Yeah for me, that's if I stay on track.
    • Dave.B
      Dave.B mizsuzyq

      Posted

      Hi mizsuzyq, this is the email I received from the blood donor team, shame really as I loved giving blood & was proud to be a donor as my blood group being O neg is the one they need the most of as it's universal & is always in demand. Let me know what your doc says please. 

      Dear Mr Brown

       

      Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, as you have been diagnosed with bronchiectasis, I have to advise you that you are no longer able to continue as a blood donor, according to our current guidelines. Our guidelines are very specific for this condition and I have included the entry below and the associated explanation. 

       Must not donate if:

      b) Has acute or chronic infection including bronchiectasis.

      Bronchiectasis is associated with recurrent acute infections and chronic infection. Although these do not usually cause the sufferer harm the transmission of these may result in significant problems for severely ill and often immunocompromised recipients.

      The infections associated with this condition can sometimes be present for a while before the person feels unwell so it is possible that this active infection could be present and potentially transferred to a patient without the donor showing any signs of being unwell at the time of donation.Therefore I hope you can appreciate that we have to advise you in this way to ensure the safety of the blood products that we supply to patients.

      I realise you will find this decision disappointing so if you would like to discuss this matter further then please do not hesitate to contact me via my PA on 0191 202 4542 during usual office hours. You can also contact us via our 24-hour helpline on 0300 123 23 23 to speak with one of my Clinical Support Team colleagues if this is more convenient.

      Thank you for your support of NHS Blood & Transplant.

      With best wishes

      Yours sincerely

      Dr Jill Clarkson                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Staff Grade Medical Officer                                                                                                                                                                                                   Clinical Support Team

       

  • mizsuzyq
    mizsuzyq Dave.B

    Posted

    Since it is going to be awhile before I see my doc, I will keep this in my notepad to ask him about it and will let you know what he says.  After reading the letter, it does sound logical.  
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