Blood donation is one of the ways to save patients' lives, but not everyone can donate immediately. Besides age, weight, and current health on the donation day, a person's chronic diseases and medical history are important factors that staff must consider to ensure safety for both donors and recipients.
Many people wonder which diseases permanently disqualify blood donation. Can people with chronic illnesses donate? And if they have recovered, how long must they wait? Let's review key information and check your eligibility before heading to donate blood.
The National Blood Service Center, Thai Red Cross Society, lists certain illnesses that disqualify donors, especially all types of cancer. Their policy mandates permanent deferral from donation even after successful treatment.
Additionally, those with a history of hepatitis must be evaluated based on the cause and age of illness, particularly if related to hepatitis B or C viruses. Such cases require permanent deferral unless a medical certificate confirms the hepatitis originated from other causes. Diseases that permanently disallow blood donation include:
Some chronic conditions do not permanently disqualify donors if the disease is well controlled, without complications, and the donor has been evaluated by staff or a physician beforehand. Commonly asked examples include:
Diabetics may donate if they control blood sugar with oral medication, are not using insulin injections, and have no complications from diabetes.
Thus, having diabetes does not always mean you cannot donate, but you should honestly disclose your condition and medications to staff.
Donation is allowed if blood pressure is controlled within limits set by the National Blood Service Center: systolic not exceeding 160 mmHg and diastolic not over 100 mmHg, and no complications.
Those with high cholesterol or triglycerides can donate if no major complications exist, such as stroke or heart disease.
Hyperthyroidism patients can donate once thyroid hormone levels normalize and they have stopped treatment for at least two years. However, if caused by cancer or autoimmune disease, donation is permanently disallowed.
Not all asthma patients must defer donation if symptoms are controlled with non-steroid oral medications or inhalers, and they have no symptoms on donation day. If symptomatic or unwell, donation should be postponed and medical history disclosed for assessment.
Donation may be permitted if anti-epileptic drugs have been stopped and there have been no seizures for at least three years, with a medical certificate confirming this.
This is not a lifelong deferral if fully treated and medication completed. Donation can resume after at least two years since the last dose.
Recovering from some infections does not mean immediate eligibility. Certain infections require waiting to allow full recovery and reduce risk to recipients:
For COVID-19, deferral periods depend on current symptoms and guidelines, so check the latest information from the National Blood Service Center before donating.
Besides chronic diseases, the National Blood Service Center sets other criteria. Donors should be healthy, weigh over 45 kilograms, and be aged 17 to 70 years, with different conditions by age group—for example, 17-year-olds need parental consent, and first-time donors must be no older than 60.
Before donating, rest well, eat normally but avoid high-fat foods, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not donate, and those who have recently given birth or miscarried must wait according to guidelines before donating again.
It is crucial to answer health questionnaires honestly, disclosing chronic illnesses, current medications, past treatments or surgeries, and risk history, as these affect eligibility and whether donation must be postponed.
Blood donation is a good deed, but safety for both donors and recipients is paramount. If uncertain about your condition or medications, consult the donation unit before going to prepare properly. Source:
Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital,Blood Bank Unit, Thammasat University Hospital.