Sickle cell trait - Whole blood and components

Essential information

Obligatory

Whole blood donors:

Not suitable for intrauterine or neonatal use.

Discretionary

For adult use only, accept.

Supporting information

Additional information

The red blood cells from people with sickle cell trait can be safely transfused into most adults. They are however not thought to be suitable for intrauterine or neonatal use as there is a higher risk of the cells sickling and causing harm to the baby.

For some individuals with sickle cell trait, it will not be possible to process their blood. For this reason, they may be asked not to donate.

Reason for change:

To allow component donors with sickle-cell trait to donate.

Version details:

WB-DSG Edition 203 Release 16 (05 February 2013)