For example, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center allows people with lupus to donate blood if they’re asymptomatic.
Guidelines are Subject to Change
Eligibility requirements can change.
Be sure to check the latest guidelines if you’re interested in donating.
Verywell / Nez Riaz
Red blood cells and platelets from people with lupus are generally considered “safe.”
The organizationBe The Matchexcludes people with an autoimmune disease other than stable autoimmune thyroid disease.
Organ Donation and Lupus
People with lupus may or may not be able to donate organs.
The only absolute contraindication isCreutzfeldt-Jacob syndrome.
In many cases, the benefits (saving a life) may easily outweigh the potential risks.
Several organizations ask for plasma donation from people with lupus so that study the disease.
If you have fatigue associated with your disease, donating blood could make it worse.
It may also exacerbate lupus-related heart issues.
There is also a risk of persistent bleeding and bruising if you have underlying blood cell count abnormalities.
There is no blood substitute, and donors are the only sources of blood.
Making a Decision
If you meet the criteria to donate, talk to your healthcare provider first.
People who take care of themselves first are better able to help others.
Unlimited ways of helping others exist, however, including becoming an advocate.
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Pamuk ON.Thrombocytopenia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.Eur J Rheumatol.
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