This question was recently featured in the latest issue of the Lupus Now magazine. While the magazine published an accompanying answer, given by Joan T. Merrill, M.D., head of the clinical pharmacology research program at OK Medical Research Foundation in OK City and also
LFA's medical director, I found conflicting information online. Upon further research, and after consulting my
rheumatologist, I found that there's still a bit of controversy surrounding the issue. Here is a summation of my findings:
Can Lupus patients donate blood?
1) Before donating, discuss with your doctor to determine whether or not you (and your blood makeup) are good candidates for blood donation.
2) If you are too anemic (have a low red blood cell count), don't donate.
3) Each blood donation bank has its own guidelines. American Red Cross used to disqualify Lupus patients from giving blood, but according to Dr. Merrill, this is no longer an issue. However, based upon my research (and that of my doctor's), it seems that the ARC will, indeed, accept blood from a Lupus patient, provided that one's condition is "inactive" and that a patient is "feeling well." The trick? What is meant by "inactive" is a bit vague and not well defined.
The good news, though, is that if you meet the criteria mentioned above, the ARC will allow you to donate even if you are on Plaquenil and/or corticosteroids ( prednisone ). Note, however, that certain immunosuppresive medications (e.g. methotrexate or cellcept ) or biologic agents will disqualify you from donating.
4) NIH does not currently accept blood donations from
Lupites, nor does the
INOVA hospital system blood bank in my home state of Virginia. Without a full understanding of the causes of Lupus and the role of antibodies, NIH cannot ensure that there is absolutely no risk of transmission of harmful elements to those receiving blood. And
INOVA simply has a policy that excludes all patients with an autoimmune disease, regardless of whether the condition is "active" or "inactive."
4) Since blood components are separated, the only components in a person's blood with Lupus that might be problematic are plasma and antibodies. Red blood cells and platelets should be safe to donate as long as the donor has sufficient amounts for themselves (see point #1 and 2). More good news: apparently, these parts are the ones most often needed by people who receive blood.
The bottom line? There really isn't one. If you're interested in donating, just be sure to check the specific inclusions or exclusions of the the blood bank in your area. If you are able to donate, don't forget to enjoy the juice box and cookies!
And many thanks to Dr. Neil
Stahl for his help in uncovering the truth on this issue, and for providing much of the valuable information above. Other facts listed above courtesy of the Lupus Now article.
Can Lupus patients donate blood?
1) Before donating, discuss with your doctor to determine whether or not you (and your blood makeup) are good candidates for blood donation.
2) If you are too anemic (have a low red blood cell count), don't donate.
3) Each blood donation bank has its own guidelines. American Red Cross used to disqualify Lupus patients from giving blood, but according to Dr. Merrill, this is no longer an issue. However, based upon my research (and that of my doctor's), it seems that the ARC will, indeed, accept blood from a Lupus patient, provided that one's condition is "inactive" and that a patient is "feeling well." The trick? What is meant by "inactive" is a bit vague and not well defined.
The good news, though, is that if you meet the criteria mentioned above, the ARC will allow you to donate even if you are on Plaquenil and/or corticosteroids ( prednisone ). Note, however, that certain immunosuppresive medications (e.g. methotrexate or cellcept ) or biologic agents will disqualify you from donating.
4) NIH does not currently accept blood donations from Lupites, nor does the INOVA hospital system blood bank in my home state of Virginia. Without a full understanding of the causes of Lupus and the role of antibodies, NIH cannot ensure that there is absolutely no risk of transmission of harmful elements to those receiving blood. And INOVA simply has a policy that excludes all patients with an autoimmune disease, regardless of whether the condition is "active" or "inactive."4) Since blood components are separated, the only components in a person's blood with Lupus that might be problematic are plasma and antibodies. Red blood cells and platelets should be safe to donate as long as the donor has sufficient amounts for themselves (see point #1 and 2). More good news: apparently, these parts are the ones most often needed by people who receive blood.
The bottom line? There really isn't one. If you're interested in donating, just be sure to check the specific inclusions or exclusions of the the blood bank in your area. If you are able to donate, don't forget to enjoy the juice box and cookies!And many thanks to Dr. Neil Stahl for his help in uncovering the truth on this issue, and for providing much of the valuable information above. Other facts listed above courtesy of the Lupus Now article.