Whole blood and components

The Whole Blood and Components Donor Selection Guidelines (WB-DSG) form a constituent part of chapter 3 of the Guidelines for the Blood Transfusion and Tissue Transplantation Services in the UK.

They apply to donors giving whole blood or blood components, including red cells, platelets, plasma and granulocytes, and are for healthcare professionals trained in their use.

View the guidelines

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Updates

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Additional resources

Using these guidelines

Learn how to use and apply the WB-DSG

Source files

Download an offline copy of the WB-DSG

Drugs and platelet donation

View the index of drugs that can alter platelet function and may require a donor deferral

Appendices

Appendix 1

Estimated blood volume for female donors

Appendix 2

Immunisations

Appendix 3

Maximum permitted extracorporeal volume

Appendix 4

Management of post donation illness

Latest updates

Change number Title Updated Guidelines affected Release
09-2026 Changes to be introduced on the new JPAC website (PDF only, 864KB) 1 May 2026
Geographical indexWhole bloodTissue (deceased)Tissue (live)Bone marrowCord blood
568065625957
10-2026 Changes to entries in the GDRI and DSGs (PDF only, 418KB) 1 May 2026
Geographical indexWhole bloodTissue (deceased)Tissue (live)Bone marrowCord blood
568065625957
05-2026 Bleeding Disorder (PDF only, 283KB) 17 February 2026
Whole blood
79
06-2026 Transgender and Non-Binary Individuals (PDF only, 210KB) 17 February 2026
Whole blood
79
07-2026 Testosterone Replacement Therapy (PDF only, 339KB) 17 February 2026
Whole blood
79

View all updates to the WB-DSG