Bleeding Disorder

Acceptability at Recruitment

QUALIFIED

Acceptability at VT / Work-Up

QUALIFIED

Individual at Risk

Donor

Explanation of Condition

Haemophilias are a rare group of mostly inherited/genetic disorders that prevents blood from clotting normally due to a lack of specific blood-clotting proteins (clotting factors). They may be of varying severity, but generally prohibit bone marrow donation. Individuals can have the disease or be a carrier (also known as trait). There are also some haemophilias that are acquired during life, and may be transient.

Some deficiencies cause significant bleeding, either spontaneously or in response to even minimal trauma or minor procedures. Individuals will have been assessed and advised about their condition and bleeding risk. They may have received treatment or been told in the future they would need prophylactic treatment for surgery, dental treatments or any other procedures.

Guidance

At Recruitment

UNACCEPTABLE - Diagnosis of haemophilia A (Factor VIII deficiency), haemophilia B (Factor IX deficiency), type 2 von Willebrand disease, type 3 von Willebrand disease.

QUALIFIED - Carriers may join the register if:

1. Have never had any excessive bleeding or bruising, and
2. Have never received any treatment to reduce or prevent excessive bleeding, and
3. Is not requiring monitoring or follow-up, accept.

At CT / Work-up

Discuss with medical officer.

For known history:

Establish what type of bleeding disorder or specific coagulation factor deficiency donor has (or is a carrier of).

Must not donate if diagnosed with haemophilia A (Factor VIII deficiency), haemophilia B (Factor IX deficiency), asymptomatic factor XI deficiency

3 types of von Willebrand disease: only donors with type 1 are potentially eligible, Type 2 and 3 are more severe and unacceptable.

Any degree of factor XII deficiency is acceptable as long as there is no history of thrombosis.

Carriers should be discussed with medical officer. They can be considered for PBSC if they fulfil following criteria:

• Has not received a transfusion since 1 January 1980, and
• Has never received any type of coagulation factor treatment, and
• Has never received any other treatment to reduce or prevent excessive bleeding, and
• Has not received or been advised that they will require prophylactic treatment, and
• Has never had any excessive bleeding or bruising, and
• Is not requiring monitoring or follow-up, and
• The underlying cause and/or treatment does not preclude donation, accept.

For newly identified clotting abnormalities at medical:

Assess the donor for personal and family history of excessive bleeding and bruising:

• Do you have any bleeding symptoms such as frequent nose bleeds, bleeding from the back passage or bleeding from the gums?
• Have you ever consulted a doctor or received treatment for prolonged or unusual bleeding e.g. with nosebleeds or minor wounds?
• Do you experience bruises/haematomas larger than 2cm without trauma, or severe bruising after minor trauma?
• Have you ever had surgery (major or minor) or any dental procedures? If yes - Have you ever experienced or been told you had prolonged or excessive bleeding after or during these procedures or required medical attention for this?
• Is there anyone in your family who suffers from a bleeding disorder e.g. Haemophilia/Von Willebrand disease?

If assigned female at birth:

• Have you ever consulted a doctor or received treatment for heavy or prolonged menstrual periods (contraceptive pill, iron etc.)?
• Have you given birth - If yes - Did you experience prolonged or excessive bleeding after delivery?

If the history is reassuring, repeat the coagulation screen with relevant factor levels as spurious results can occur.

If APTT remains prolonged in isolation but factor levels are normal (> 0.5) and there is no bleeding history - the donor can be cleared if the CC are in agreement. If there are concerns from the CC or regarding bleeding history discuss case with a clotting specialist.

Pseudonyms or Related Conditions

Haemophilia A

Haemophilia B

Factor XIII, XI, VIII, VII or V Deficiency

Hypofibrinogenaemia

Dysfibrinogenaemia

Von Willebrand Disease

Platelet Function Defect

Platelet Disorder

Version

Version 2, Edition 2

Date of Last Update

24th June 2026 29th October 2029