![]() If body piercings or tattoos are present, the risk of transfusion-transmissible infections ( TTI) should be assessed (also refer to Section 7.9.5 on cosmetic treatments and rituals). The colour of exposed skin and mucous membranes should be normal, with no jaundice, cyanosis, flushing or pallor, and no signs of skin infection, rash or obviously enlarged lymph nodes. They should have a sound mental status and not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Donors should be observed to rule out malnutrition or any debilitating condition. The prospective donor should appear generally well and should not be febrile, breathless or suffering from a persistent cough. ![]() The age of 16 should therefore be an absolute lower limit for blood donation to ensure donor health and safety.Īdolescents of either gender are at risk of iron deficiency during the pubertal growth spurt when the average daily total requirement of absorbed elemental iron is 1.50 mg/day for males aged 15–17 years and 1.62 mg/day for females ( 54, 55). Studies of adverse events in blood donors have shown an increased rate of vasovagal reactions in younger donors ( 50, 52) a study conducted in the United States of America in 2006 reported a 10.7% risk of a vasovagal reaction in donors aged 16–17 years, compared with 8.3% in 18–19 year-olds and 2.8% in donors aged 20 years or older ( 53). ![]() The lower age limit for blood donation in most countries is 18 years, although in some countries national legislation permits 16–17 year-olds to donate provided that they fulfil the physical and haematological criteria required and that appropriate consent is obtained. Sections 4, 5, 6 and 7 contain recommendations on acceptance and deferral of donors based on selection criteria which fall into four broad categories:Ī lower age limit should be set for blood donation, taking into account national legal requirements for consent, the increased risk of vasovagal reactions in younger donors, and the increased iron requirements of adolescents and young menstruating females. The BTS physician may request additional information and advice about the health of a prospective donor from the donor's own doctor or specialist. Information about minor illnesses, exposure to communicable diseases, travel to disease endemic areas, pregnancy and lactation and medical and surgical interventions should be elicited so as to determine suitability for blood donation or the need for deferral. Staff should receive explicit guidance on what to look for and when to refer a donor to a health-care professional for further medical attention.ĭonors should feel well on the day of donation and be able to perform their routine daily activities. Staff undertaking donor health and risk assessment should be well-trained in the observation of donor appearance and detection of signs of ill health. Good health is difficult to define, but certain associated parameters may be established from a brief medical history, observation and simple tests. Only individuals in good health should be accepted as blood donors.
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