Polycythaemia and raised haemoglobin - Whole blood and components

Essential information

Obligatory

Must not donate.

Discretionary

If specialist investigation has excluded polycythaemia rubra vera, or another myeloproliferative neoplasm, or any other cause which precludes donation, and no treatment or further investigation is planned, the donor can be accepted for whole blood donation or for double red cell donation.

Donors with a haemoglobin above the normal range should not usually be accepted for plasma or platelet donation.

Supporting information

See if relevant

• Cardiovascular disease
• Haematological disease
• Haemoglobin disorders
• Haemoglobin estimation
• Respiratory disease
• Testosterone replacement therapy

Additional information

Repeat testing is advised for donors with a haemoglobin concentration of more than 180 g/L in men and 165 g/L in women. If a donor is not accepted, the reason why must be explained to them and, if appropriate, advice given to see their own GP.

Polycythaemia is commonly linked to malignant or pre-malignant conditions or to the body's response to a shortage of oxygen. Apparent polycythaemia is caused by a decreased plasma volume. All of these are reasons not to accept a donation, either because of the association with malignancy, or because of the potential to harm the donor.

Individuals with 'high affinity' haemoglobins can develop polycythaemia because of the reduced oxygen carrying capacity of their blood. This would be detrimental to a recipient of their blood and donation may be harmful to the donor. For these reasons, they should not be accepted.

Individuals taking testosterone therapy for testosterone deficiency can develop polycythaemia. Individuals taking testosterone therapy must have ongoing follow up with a UK registered health practitioner. Blood donation should not be used to prevent medication associated polycythaemia/raised haematocrit. Treatment for polycythaemia includes changing testosterone preparation or dose. It is important that donors with known polycythaemia, a raised haematocrit or haemoglobin (including at health screening), or whose motivation to give blood is to prevent or treat polycythaemia are deferred and advised to seek advice from their health provider.

Reason for change:

Addition of a link and information relating to testosterone replacement therapy.

Version:

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Version details:

WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 79 (17 February 2026)