Blood donation after acute ITP?

[Visua1ingo]

I was diagnosed with ITP back in 2015. I went through the normal prednisone treatment, and by the end of it, my count was back within the normal rage, and I haven't had an episode since. I assume it was acute, brought on by a viral infection. I still have my spleen, and I wasn't given a blood transfusion.

Will anyone accept my blood anymore? I used to donate fairly regularly; not only is my blood type is O-, but I'm one of the 15% of adults that is CMV negative (or I was prior to 2015). With my limited research, I just assumed I could no longer donate blood or platelets, and I had the DMV remove my organ donor label from my drivers license. I assume they no longer want my organs, either?

[Kerryc]

I’m in Australia and as soon as they found out I had ITP the Red Cross blood bank told me I could no longer donate. I’d be interested to hear what other people have been told. Congratulations to you to be wanting to donate blood. Not enough people make this gift a priority.

[exxxon in reply to Kerryc]

hey dummy don't worry about donating blood hust take care of yourself

[LindaAnne53]

Sorry I can’t help you with your query, I took a course of prednisone & fingers crossed 🤞 haven’t had a relapse in 18 months, (I believe it was a medication I was taking that caused my ITP) I too am O- blood group, but I had to stop donating after an occlusion in my eye, I haven’t been taken off the donors list though. I am seeing the haematologist on Tuesday morning and I’ll ask him if we’re allowed to donate blood & organs, I’ll get back to you, Linda x

[prudencepayes]

That is a very interesting question. I also am an ITP sufferer and have been a blood donor but am excluded because I have received blood products (IVIG) to treat low platelets. I wonder though whether the ban is also related to the risk your blood would pose to a receipent if your ITP returned and you were unaware. The recipent would also face a sharp fall in platelets for several days. If you google 'Harrington–Hollingsworth experiment' you will find more info about this.