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# Mental health problems - Whole blood and components

## Essential information

Obligatory

  Must not donate if:

  1. Not able to fully understand and consent to the donation process and to the testing of their blood for diseases that may affect its suitability for use.
  2. On treatment with sodium valproate or valproic acid.

## Supporting information

See if relevant
  - Communication difficulties
  - Valproate and topiramate
Additional information

  Many people have mental health problems that are controlled with regular medication. Providing individuals are well on the day of donation and have the mental capacity to give full informed consent, there is no reason why they cannot donate whether on medication or not.

  Individuals who are over anxious, depressed, manic or psychotic cannot always give valid consent, or fully understand why they are being asked certain questions.

  Occasionally donors are on medication such as clozapine and are under close monitoring. They should be accepted as long as they pass the haemoglobin test.

Reason for change:
  Link updated from 'Valproate' to 'Valproate and Topiramate' in the 'See if Relevant' section.
Version details:

  WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 74 (26 November 2024)

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