If you have multiple sclerosis and have been thinking about donating blood, you’re not alone in wondering whether it’s possible. It’s natural to have questions about how your MS might affect your ability to help others through blood donation.
Here’s some encouraging news: Most people with multiple sclerosis can donate blood, as long as they meet standard eligibility rules and are not currently taking certain medications or have medical conditions outside of MS. Your MS diagnosis alone doesn’t automatically disqualify you from being a donor.
That said, the rules around blood donation can be a bit confusing because they’re not the same everywhere.
The American Red Cross, for instance, welcomes donors with MS as long as they meet other health requirements.
However, some countries like the UK have different policies and don’t currently accept blood from people with MS, mainly because researchers are still learning about what causes the disease.
Since these guidelines can shift as medical understanding evolves, your best bet is to reach out to your local blood donation center directly.
They’ll be able to give you the most current information and help you understand whether you’re eligible to donate in your area.
Key Takeaways
- People with multiple sclerosis may be able to donate blood depending on where they live.
- Medication use and local health guidelines affect eligibility for donation.
- Checking with local organizations is the best way to get updated information.
Eligibility for Blood Donation with Multiple Sclerosis
IN THIS ARTICLE
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) may be able to donate blood, depending on their health, medications, and blood bank rules. Standard rules apply, but some special factors affect people with MS.
Standard Blood Donation Criteria
Blood banks require all donors to meet basic health and safety standards. Donors must be at least 16 or 17 years old (depending on state) and weigh at least 110 pounds. Good general health is important.
Some conditions, like certain infections, iron levels, or recent travel, can cause temporary deferrals. People with fevers or active colds cannot give blood. Blood donors must wait a set time period—usually 56 days—between donations.
A list of common requirements:
- Minimum age and weight
- Good general health
- No active illness on donation day
For more details, refer to the American Red Cross blood donation requirements.
MS-Specific Eligibility Considerations
MS itself does not automatically disqualify someone from donating blood in many countries. According to the American Red Cross, people with MS can donate if they meet all the standard health criteria.
Some blood services in Australia do not allow donation from people with MS because the cause of MS is not fully understood and there are concerns about possible unknown risks. Always check local guidelines because rules differ by region.
At their donation appointment, the donor must feel well and have no infection or fever at the time of donation. A stable condition, with no recent flare-up or major symptom change, is usually required.
Medication Impact on Eligibility
The medications a person with MS takes can affect if they are allowed to donate. Some drugs used to treat MS, like certain immunosuppressants or disease-modifying therapies, may make someone ineligible.
If an MS patient is taking any medication, they should inform the blood bank. In some cases, temporary deferral is possible until a certain time after the medication ends. Some blood banks have specific lists of medications that are not allowed.
People who want to donate should check with their doctor and the blood service. For details about how medication affects eligibility, see the Overcoming MS guide.
Risks and Safety Concerns
Donating blood with multiple sclerosis (MS) involves two main types of risks: health effects for the donor and concerns about safety for the recipient. Rules for blood donation can differ depending on the country and health guidelines.
Potential Health Effects for Donors with MS
First time donors with chronic disease like MS sometimes worry that giving blood could make their symptoms worse. These short-term effects may include symptoms like:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
Dehydration and blood loss during donation can also lead to a temporary drop in energy, which may be harder to manage for someone with MS.
Some medications used to treat MS might also affect the decision. Many organizations will not allow donation if a donor is taking certain immunosuppressants or disease-modifying therapies. These drugs could make recovery after donation slower, and in some cases, they may pose an added risk to the donor’s health.
Everyone’s experience with MS is unique. Those who have stable symptoms and are not taking certain medications may face fewer health risks when donating.
Guidelines from groups like the American Red Cross allow people with MS to donate if they meet other health requirements and are not on disqualifying medicines.
Risks for Blood Recipients
One main concern for blood services is whether multiple sclerosis can be passed through blood transfusion. As of now, there is no solid evidence that MS is contagious or that it can be transmitted through blood.
Still, in some countries, like the UK and Australia, people with MS are not permitted to donate blood because the exact cause of MS is unknown and a potential infection risk cannot be fully ruled out. Learn more from the MS Trust’s guide to blood donation.
Safety rules also exist to protect people receiving blood from possible effects of medications that donors may be taking. Some MS treatments can stay in blood and may cause unwanted reactions in recipients, especially those with weakened immune systems. Because of these factors, each blood service decides its own set of rules for donor eligibility.
Guidance and Recommendations from Health Organizations
People with multiple sclerosis face different rules about blood donation, depending on where they live and the policies of blood services in their country.
It is also important to consider individual health and any medications being taken before deciding to donate blood.
Recommendations from the National Blood Services
National blood organizations have different rules about whether people with multiple sclerosis can donate blood. For example, the American Red Cross allows people with MS to donate blood or blood plasma, as long as they feel well on the day of the donation and meet regular blood donor criteria.
This policy has been in place since 2007, showing that in the United States, MS alone is not a barrier.
Key points from major blood services:
|
Country |
Can People with MS Donate? |
Special Rules |
|---|---|---|
|
United States |
Yes, if well & eligible |
No extra rules |
|
UK |
No |
Not accepted |
|
Australia |
No |
Not accepted |
Expert Advice for People with Multiple Sclerosis
Doctors and health groups give advice based on each person’s health and medical history. Some experts may advise people with MS not to give blood, especially if they take certain medications or have active symptoms.
Medicines used for MS could make someone ineligible because they might affect the safety of the donor or the recipient.
Those with MS should check with their healthcare provider before donating. A doctor can help review medications and recent disease activity. It is also important for the donor to be feeling healthy and stable on the day they donate, with no recent relapses.
People with MS should always follow local blood service guidelines, as rules can change based on new research. For more on what doctors may recommend, visit Healthline’s summary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Blood and plasma donation rules can be different for people with multiple sclerosis depending on the country, medications, and type of donation. Some treatments may also impact a person’s eligibility.
Are individuals on Ocrevus treatment eligible for blood donation?
Most blood donation centers do not allow people on Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) therapy to give blood. This medicine affects the immune system, and organizations usually have strict rules about certain treatments.
Does MS disqualify you from donating blood?
In the United States, people with MS can donate blood if they meet other general health requirements and are not taking certain medications that prevent donation. In some countries such as the UK and Australia, people with MS are not allowed to donate blood because the cause of MS is not clear. More details can be found at the MS Trust about blood donation and MS.
Is organ donation possible for patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?
People with MS can register as organ donors. However, the decision to use organs from an MS patient is made on a case-by-case basis by transplant teams, who consider overall health and medications.
Does having multiple sclerosis affect a person’s ability to donate plasma?
In the U.S., people with MS may donate plasma if they feel well, are medically stable, and are not using treatments that block them from giving plasma. The American Red Cross allows plasma donation in these cases. For more information, see WebMD’s guide on MS and plasma donation.
Can patients receiving Kesimpta therapy give blood?
People who are using Kesimpta (ofatumumab) are generally not allowed to donate blood or plasma. This is because the medicine may weaken the immune system and affect the safety of the donated blood.
Are people with multiple sclerosis able to donate bone marrow?
Bone marrow donation for people with MS is usually not allowed in many countries. Rules vary, but most centers worry about the possible risks related to MS and immune-suppressing medications.
Is kidney donation an option for someone diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?
Having MS does not always rule out kidney donation. Each case is reviewed closely. The transplant team will look at the person’s overall health, MS status, and medications before deciding if donation is possible.
