Information about blood donation
Blood donation following acupuncture
Patients who have received acupuncture are still able to give blood providing they meet certain criteria. The National Blood Service guidelines are explained here.
National Blood Service (NBS) Guidelines
1. Patients must not donate (obligatory):
If the condition for which treatment was given is not acceptable to the NBS.
If it is less than 12 months since treatment was completed for that condition.
2. Patients may donate (discretionary):
If acupuncture has been performed under the NHS.
If acupuncture has been performed outside the NHS by a GMC registered doctor OR by a nurse registered with the NMC.
3. Patients may donate if they hold a certificate confirming that the acupuncturist is registered with:
Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP)
British Council for Acupuncture (BAcC)
General Osteopathic Council (GOsC)
General Chiropractic Council (GCC)
The BMAS is currently seeking to be added to this list of authorised agencies.
4. If none of the above apply...
...the donation will be tested for Hepatitis B core antibody: it will be accepted if given six months after the acupuncture treatment AND antibody is negative.
This information is correct as of the 19 September 2007.
A draft statement for issue by BMAS members who meet the above criteria for practitioners is available on request from the BMAS Northwich Office.