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# Whole blood and components

The Whole Blood and Components Donor Selection Guidelines (WB-DSG) form a constituent part of chapter 3 of the Guidelines for the Blood Transfusion and Tissue Transplantation Services in the UK.

They apply to donors giving whole blood or blood components, including red cells, platelets, plasma and granulocytes, and are for healthcare professionals trained in their use.

## View the guidelines

## Search

Find entries by searching

## A to Z

See the full list of entries

## Updates

View all WB-DSG updates

## Additional resources

### Using these guidelines

Learn how to use and apply the WB-DSG

### Source files

Download an offline copy of the WB-DSG

### Drugs and platelet donation

View the index of drugs that can alter platelet function and may require a donor deferral

## Appendices

### Appendix 1

Estimated blood volume for female donors

### Appendix 2

Immunisations

### Appendix 3

Maximum permitted extracorporeal volume

### Appendix 4

Management of post donation illness

## Latest updates

Change number | Title | Updated | Guidelines affected | Release
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Change notification number 08-2026 | Title VHF risk in Ethiopia (PDF only, 194KB) | Update date 23 March 2026 | Guidelines affected Geographical index | Release number 55
Change notification number 02-2026 | Title Removal of vCJD risk from blood component labels (PDF only, 183KB) | Update date 17 February 2026 | Guidelines affected Red book | Release number None
Change notification number 03-2026 | Title Red Book Chapter 23 (PDF only, 869KB) | Update date 17 February 2026 | Guidelines affected Red book | Release number None
Change notification number 04-2026 | Title Red Book Chapter 3.4 (PDF only, 315KB) | Update date 17 February 2026 | Guidelines affected Red book | Release number None
Change notification number 05-2026 | Title Bleeding Disorder (PDF only, 283KB) | Update date 17 February 2026 | Guidelines affected Whole blood | Release number 79

View all updates to the WB-DSG

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