From time to time people contact us to find out if having a bleeding disorder means that they can give blood.
- You will not be allowed to give blood is you have been treated with blood derived coagulation factor concentrates. This is for the same reasons that people who have received a blood donation are not allowed to donate. It is to help protect the safety of the blood supply.
- You will not be allowed to give blood if you have a history of excessive bleeding or bruising. Because the guidelines do not specify a minimum factor level, if you have never had treatment you may be eligible to donate. In this situation the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service would have to consider the risks of donating to you. Even a mild bleeding tendency could exacerbate most complications related to needle insertion (e.g. bruising, nerve injury or arterial puncture). They use a wider needle than those typically used for blood samples in a hospital or GP setting. They would take a similar approach to if you are a carrier of a bleeding disorders. In both situations they would probably contact your GP or Haemophilia Centre before taking a donation. If you are thinking about giving blood you should talk to your Haemophilia Centre before you do anything else.
Further information
The SNBTS guidelines are based on the UK guidelines which are available online.
If you think these rules apply to you and would like to discuss them then you can contact the SNBTS by calling 0345 90 90 999 or by email NSS.snbtsenquiry@nhs.net
The SNBTS website can be found at www.scotblood.co.uk.