JPAC Joint United Kingdom (UK) Blood Transfusion and Tissue Transplantation Services Professional Advisory Committee

Age

DefinitionsFirst Time Donor
Is an individual who has not previously donated. It is also a person who has previously attended but, for what ever reasons, did not give a full donation (e.g. deferred because of selection guidelines, failed screen test, failed venepuncture, part bag etc).

Regular Donor
Is a donor who has been medically assessed at a donor session in the last 24 months. For component donors this must include mandatory infection screening and, for all donors over the age of 70 years, this must also include giving a full donation.

Returning Donor
Is a donor who has not attended a donation session or been medically assessed within the last 24 months, but who has previously given a full donation.

Full Donation
An amount above the minimum required volume has been collected.
ObligatoryWhole blood and component donors.
Must not donate if:

a) They are under 17 years of age.

b) They are a first time donor who has had their 66th birthday.

c) They are a returning donor who has had their 70th birthday.
Additional InformationThe lower age limit takes account of national laws on age of consent.

Upper age limits for blood and component donation have traditionally been set to protect the donor's safety. There is however little evidence to support this. Audits have shown a decreased incidence of adverse events in older donors compared to younger donors. Experience in other blood services has shown no increased harm to donors over the age of 70 years. Donor adverse event monitoring will continue to inform the need for any modification to this guidance.

To donate after their 70th birthday a donor must remain in good health and have given at least one full donation in the previous 24 months. To continue donating they must give no less than one full donation every 24 months.

When appropriate, donors may be accepted on their birthday.
InformationThis entry is compliant with the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005.
Reason for changeDefinitions for 'First Time', 'Regular' and 'Returning' donors together with a definition of a 'Full Donation' have been added.
Donor InformationIf you wish to obtain more information regarding a personal medical issue please contact your National Help Line.

Please do not contact this web site for personal medical queries, as we are not in a position to provide individual answers.

Update Information

This entry was last updated in:
DSG-WB Edition 203, Release 01.