Whole blood and components

The Whole Blood and Components Donor Selection Guidelines (WB-DSG) form a constituent part of chapter 3 of the Guidelines for the Blood Transfusion and Tissue Transplantation Services in the UK.

They apply to donors giving whole blood or blood components, including red cells, platelets, plasma and granulocytes, and are for healthcare professionals trained in their use.

View the guidelines

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Updates

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Additional resources

Using these guidelines

Learn how to use and apply the WB-DSG

Source files

Download an offline copy of the WB-DSG

Drugs and platelet donation

View the index of drugs that can alter platelet function and may require a donor deferral

Appendices

Appendix 1

Estimated blood volume for female donors

Appendix 2

Immunisations

Appendix 3

Maximum permitted extracorporeal volume

Appendix 4

Management of post donation illness

Latest updates

Change number Title Updated Guidelines affected Release
12-2026 Mosquito-borne viruses (PDF only, 454KB) 11 August 2026
Geographical indexWhole bloodTissue (deceased)Tissue (live)Bone marrowCord blood
578166626058
13-2026 Kidney and bladder disease (PDF only, 455KB) 11 August 2026
Whole blood
81
17-2026 Eligibility of blood donors undergoing acupuncture (PDF only, 287KB) 11 August 2026
Whole blood
81
18-2026 Chikungunya vaccination (PDF only, 146KB) 11 August 2026
Whole blood
81
19-2026 Donation prior to hazardous activities (PDF only, 199KB) 11 August 2026
Whole blood
81

View all updates to the WB-DSG