Change in age limit for blood donation

07/06/18

Belgian public health minister Maggie De Block decided to scrap the age limit on blood donation, meaning that people aged over 71 will soon be able to give blood, plasma and platelets. The fact that there is no scientific evidence for the age limit of 70 years, was the basis for this decision. This age limit was abolished in the US and UK as well. The UK Blood Services Forum performed an evidence review, including 11 studies, to support this decision. In these studies, no adverse reactions (e.g. fainting), no difference in pulse and blood pressure measurements, and no safety concerns were found in older blood donors.
Want to know more? The evidence review can be found here, and more information on the Belgian decision can be found here.