Muscat – “Disclosing your health status and answering the blood donation questionnaire with honesty and transparency are crucial for ensuring both your safety and the safety of blood recipients. Certain health conditions may lead to temporary or permanent deferral from donating blood,” the department stated.
According to the guidelines, individuals with specific health conditions or medical histories may be permanently deferred from donating blood to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient.
These include:
• Any individual infected with a blood borne disease e.g. AIDS, Hepatitis, Syphilis etc.
• Individuals with chronic diseases e.g. cancer, cardiac diseases, epilepsy and insulin dependent diabetes.
• Individuals with blood disorders such as anaemia, Thalassemia.
• Individuals who had extra marital sex.
• Individuals who suffered malaria (during any period of his life).
The DBBS also detailed conditions that necessitate a temporary deferral from blood donation to ensure donor recovery and recipient safety.
These include:
• Individuals who underwent blood transfusion or surgical procedure within the last 12 months
• Those who donated whole blood in the last three months period.
• Individuals who underwent tooth extraction or dental work in the last 7 days period.
• Individuals who had a tattoo, ear or skin piercing, acupuncture, or traditional “wasam” treatment/cupping (Hijama)/bloodletting for 4 months.
• For females: post-delivery or post abortion are deferred for one year.
In addition, the DBBS requests donors to disclose the following information to the doctor before donating blood:
• Type of medicines taken recently.
• The countries travelled to during the last 12 months.
• Vaccinations taken recently.
• Any other health problems.
• Chronic diseases such as blood pressure, diabetes and allergies.
• Surgery undergone during the last 6 months.
The Department of Blood Banks Services urged the public to take these guidelines seriously and to consult with medical professionals at donation centres if they are unsure of their eligibility.