Osteoarthritis - Cord blood

Essential information

Obligatory

Must not donate if:

It is less than 7 days from any invasive treatment or investigation, including but not limited to joint injections.

Discretionary

If the donor has been treated by joint injection, and:

  1. Treatment was performed within the NHS, or treatment was performed by a Qualified Health Care Professional (as defined in the Complementary therapy entry), and
  2. It is at least 7 days from any joint injection with steroid, and
  3. It is at least 7 days from any joint injection with autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP), and
  4. Any wound or puncture mark is fully healed without any evidence of infection, accept.

Supporting information

See if relevant
Additional information

Donors who have severe pain or disability that makes it difficult for them to get on or off the donation couch should not donate. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken for arthritis may affect platelet function. See the Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs entry if relevant.

Some individuals may undergo arthroscopy as part of the assessment and investigation of their condition; this is usually performed by a rigid endoscope.

Some individuals may receive joint injections to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. These may be intra-articular (into the joint) or periarticular (around the joint). Treatments may include steroids, hyaluronic acid or platelet rich plasma (PRP). Individuals who have received joint injections must wait at least 7 days before donation to avoid potential risks of bacteraemia. If the donor is uncertain about the treatment that was given, refer to a Designated Clinical Support Officer.

The rigour of sterile precautions for any procedure involving PRP should be taken into consideration when accepting donors. Procedures carried out for osteoarthritis within the NHS by licensed UK health professionals are not likely to raise concerns regarding the rigour of sterile precautions, although the 7-day deferral should still be applied.

Reason for change:
Guidance on the acceptance of donors treated with joint injection has been added. ‘See if relevant’ links have been added.
Version details:

CB-DSG Edition 203 Release 59 (6 October 2026)