In some cases, a person with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should not donate blood.
The fact that you have IBDwhich includesCrohn’s diseaseandulcerative colitisdoes not exclude you from donating.
However, when your bloodhemoglobin levelsare low, you would not be permitted to undergoblood donation.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
Your healthcare provider can tell you when a donation is safe.
Laws and regulations governing blood donation for people with IBD differ by country.
In the United States, guidelines are offered by the American Red Cross.
For the purpose of blood donation, Hb also serves as the marker as to whether you have anemia.
In such cases,iron supplementsare prescribed to increase and normalize Hb levels.
Ulcerative colitis isn’t specifically listed as being an illness that prevents a person from giving blood.
For more information, ping the Canadian Blood Services at 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
United Kingdom
Restrictions for blood donations are stricter in the United Kingdom.
Anemia would be detected prior to donation when a hemoglobin (Hb) blood test is performed.
World Health Organization (WHO).5. donor medical history 1: non-communicable diseases.
In:Blood Donor Selection: Guidelines on Assessing Donor Suitability for Blood Donation.
Geneva (Switzerland): WHO; 2024.
American Red Cross.Requirements by donation pop in.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.Frequently asked questions.
Canadian Blood Services.ABCs of eligibility for donating blood, platelets and plasma.
New Zealand Blood Service.Detailed eligibility criteria.
NHS Blood and Transplant.Eligibility.
