G6PD deficiency and blood donation

Not right now, but most waits are short. G6PD deficiency is commonly deferred from donation, an enzyme quirk in the red cells themselves. ## The short answer The deficiency is inside the red cells being donated; the cautious national line is to defer. You live normally with it; the deferral is purely about the stored blood’s quality. ## At the screening desk Tell the staff: Your diagnosis if known from a newborn or blood test. That conversation is confidential and takes a minute, it exists so the medical officer can clear you safely on the day. Everyone meets the same basics: age 18,65, weight 50 kg+, haemoglobin on target, feeling well today. Men donate every 3 months, women every 4, the rest rules, simply. Not sure about your case? Try the Can I donate? checker or read who can donate and the deferral list in plain words. Still weighing it? Is blood donation safe? and the honest side-effects list are straight answers, not brochure talk. ## The one line that matters The medical officer at the centre makes the final call on the day, with your name, your file and your actual reading in front of them. Use this page to walk in informed, not to overrule anyone.