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# Age - Whole blood and components

## Essential information

Definition/s

  First time donor: an individual who has not previously donated. It is also a person who has previously attended but, for whatever reasons, did not give a full donation (e.g. deferred because of selection guidelines, failed screen test, failed venepuncture, part bag etc).

  Regular donor: 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 72 years, this must also include giving a full donation.

  Returning donor: 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.

Obligatory

  Whole 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 72nd birthday.

## Supporting information

Additional information

  The 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. Donor haemovigilance data show a decreased incidence of adverse events in older donors compared to younger donors, although there is an increase in local complications of donating (i.e. bruising and rebleeds). Donor adverse event monitoring will continue to inform the need for any modification to this guidance.

  To donate after their 72nd birthday a donor must remain in good health and have given at least 1 full donation in the previous 24 months. To continue donating they must give no less than 1 full donation every 24 months.

  When appropriate, donors may be accepted on their birthday.

Regulatory information

  This entry is a requirement of the Blood Safety and Quality Regulations 2005.

Reason for change:
  The age limit for returning donors has been increased to 72 years.
Version details:

  WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 72 (31 July 2024)

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