NOTES

Currently an estimation of blood pressure is only carried for apheresis donors

It is not necessary to check blood pressure and /or pulse in whole blood donors who say that their blood pressure is well controlled by their GP. Absolute acceptance limits (apheresis donors): Donors with a systolic blood pressure of more than 170 mmHg and /or a diastolic blood pressure of more than 100 mmHg must not be taken

Assess history, drugs being taken and any side-effects thereof

ACCEPT:                        

• If donor says their BP is well-controlled AND they are on a stable dose of medication (including vasodilators) and they have no complications due to hypertension
• If donor is being regularly assessed for high blood pressure but treatment has not been commenced
• If donor is taking medication for raised blood pressure and neither the type nor the dose has been changed in the last four weeks and they are otherwise well (regardless of the type of medication)
• If medication dose has been decreased (question the donor about the reasons for this, e.g. weight loss, smoking cessation)

DEFER:

• If cause of hypertension is under investigation until results are available
• For 4 weeks from the date of commencing BP medication
• For 4 weeks from the date of an increase in anti-hypertensive medication
• If donor is having problems with feeling faint or light-headed or fainting 

PERMANENTLY EXCLUDE:

• If donor has heart failure
• If donor has renal impairment (requires dialysis, the use of erythropoietin or similar drugs) or is under active investigation or continued follow up for their renal impairment 
• If donor has required surgery for a blocked or narrowed artery including any type of amputation 
• If donor has been diagnosed with malignant hypertension