Change in upper age limit for returning blood donors
From 31 January 2025 onwards, a change in blood donation procedures will mean older donors can keep donating.
At the moment, donor who reaches their 70th birthday can continue to give blood provided they have given a donation in the previous 2 years. From 31 January onwards, this will be changed to donors who have reached their 72nd birthday.
This change recognises the fact many people are living longer, healthier lives. The move helps maintain a healthy blood supply by allowing experienced donors to continue contributing.
UK donors aged 70 and over have been able to donate blood since 2009, provided they have given a donation in the preceding two years. UK Blood Services have assessed adverse events data for this group, as part of a review of the age criteria within the JPAC (Joint United Kingdom Blood Transfusion and Tissue Transplantation Services Professional Advisory Committee) Whole Blood and Component Donor Selection Guidelines.
JPAC has now extended this age limit to 72. This means that any returning donor (i.e someone who has donated blood before) who has not reached their 72nd birthday can donate blood. Any donor who has reached their 72nd birthday can continue to give blood as long as they have given a full donation in the previous two years.
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