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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A to Z

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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
27-2026 Functional neurological disorder (PDF only, 167KB) 17 September 2026
Whole blood
82
28-2026 Parathyroid disease (PDF only, 169KB) 17 September 2026
Whole blood
82
29-2026 Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PDF only, 272KB) 17 September 2026
Whole blood
82
32-2026 Medication and donor eligibility (PDF only, 239KB) 17 September 2026
Whole blood
82
30-2026 Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (PDF only, 190KB) 17 September 2026
Whole blood
82

View all updates to the WB-DSG