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# Pyrexia - Whole blood and components

Also known as: fever

## Essential information

Definition/s

  Pyrexia: a temperature of 38.0°C or above.

### Scenarios

Not related to travel

Obligatory

  Must not donate if:

  Less than 2 weeks from an episode of pyrexia.

Discretionary

  If related to a common cold or other upper respiratory tract infection, but not influenza, from which the donor is now recovered or recovering, accept.

See if relevant
  - Infection, acute
  - Infection, general
Additional information

  A raised temperature may be a sign of an infection, which could be passed on through a donation. Waiting 2 weeks from when the temperature returns to normal reduces the risk of infection being transmitted by the donation.

  There is no evidence that common colds and upper respiratory tract infections can be passed on by donation but it is still necessary to wait until any such infection is obviously getting better before allowing donation.

Related to travel

Obligatory

  See:

  - Geographical Disease Risk Index
  - Malaria
  - Tropical viruses
  - West Nile Virus
  - Viral haemorrhagic fever

Reason for change:
  The definitions and scope have been revised. The See if Relevant list in 'Related to travel' has been expanded.
Version details:

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

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