Is it ok to become a blood donor with PBC?

[Wingding]

[Cristina_Romania]

I do not have PBC but suspected I might and asked the same question back then, as I am a blood donor. Both doctors here and Robert said it shouldn't be a problem, unless you are anemic or something else, but strictly regarding transmission of anything PBC related through the blood, or safety for one's progression or stagnation of PBC, it should in principle be ok.

As always, consulting your doctor is the best.

Is that right Robert? Is good to know for me too as I come in contact with various PBC patients as well. Thanks.

[Hidden]

I know you can't contract anything from one with PBC, it is our own body system that is producing the antibodies that are damaging our bile ducts.

BUT in my opinion, I'd not now consider giving blood (I was stopped a decade ago when I went as at the time I was showing to be slightly low in iron). Given the AMAs were present in the blood sample taken to diagnose PBC unless there is an ongoing system the blood transfusion service use to clean it then I wouldn't think practical.

Reading the info as my own daughter now wants to be a blood donor, I think that it would not be somehow recommended in the UK anyway from what I can gather. Check out their website.

[Megamum]

Hi everyone. I've always been a blood donar but since being diagnosed with PBC having been screened by them they refuse to take my blood. Infuriating as in the past I used to go monthly as a plasma donar. Xx

[Wingding]

When I was considering becoming a donor I phoned and asked my previous consultant's advice (I've recently moved and now just see my doctor for ongoing care, who, though very willing is, by her own admission, not familiar with PBC) and he said it wasn't a problem. I'm anxious though that if I were to declare this condition I would be rejected as people only have to hear the word 'cirrhosis' to take fright!

[Maggs3petts]

Yes, I checked with the blood donor assoc and they said I wouldn't be suitable as a donor but this maybe more to do with having had jaundice. Seems it just depends on who you ask doesn't it? I know what you mean wingding - I usually just say I have PBC - my Consultant told me that Cirrhosis is actually the wrong word to describe this illness but its how it was termed at the time. If I do say primary biliary cirrhosis I'm always quck to tell that its a genetic condition in my bile ducts and nothing to do with alcoholism. Regards M

[Hidden in reply to Maggs3petts]

I did read on this site some time ago that the replyee to a question/blog informed ill-informed people when they asked what PBC stood for that instead of adding the word 'cirrhosis' on the end, they said 'cholestatis' which to me sounds far better as we all know the words 'cirrhosis and alcohol' seem to go hand in hand!

As yet I've to use a different terminology tho' I don't inform people tho' have had to mention to certain people considered as professional. (I find it odd that I've been attending my GP surgery now for 2yrs for blood tests at intervals and as I discovered a few days ago the one who takes the most is not a nurse but a Healthcare Assistant. She has asked me on several occasions what PBC means and on more than one occasion asked if I was a drinker prior to diagnose! I have to say that in my opinion here, if it was me in her shoes, I'd have had a look out of interest myself what PBC stands for as to me that would be known as 'taking an interest in the job'. Saying that I don't think the GP I have got stuck under seems to know what he is doing most of the time!