Blood Donation with Elevated Temperature
You should not donate blood if you have an elevated temperature (hyperthermia/fever). 1
Primary Recommendation
Blood donation centers universally defer donors with fever until the cause is investigated and resolved. 1 This is a fundamental safety principle that protects both the donor and potential recipients, as fever may indicate an underlying infection that could be transmitted through blood products or may compromise the donor's own health during the donation process. 1
Key Rationale for Deferral
Fever signals potential infection or systemic illness that requires investigation before blood donation can proceed, as transfusing blood from a febrile donor could transmit infectious agents to recipients. 1
Undiagnosed sepsis or bacteremia could be present in a febrile donor, and collecting blood in this state would pose serious risks to recipients who receive these blood products. 1
The donor's own safety is compromised when donating blood while febrile, as the physiologic stress of blood donation combined with an underlying illness could worsen the donor's condition. 1
Required Steps Before Donation Can Proceed
Investigation Phase
Blood cultures should be collected to rule out bacteremia before any consideration of blood donation. 1
Chest radiography may be indicated for donors who have persistent fever to identify potential pulmonary sources of infection. 1
Complete resolution of fever and identification/treatment of the underlying cause must occur before donation eligibility can be reconsidered. 1
Post-Resolution Considerations
After fever resolution and appropriate treatment of any identified infection, the donor must wait an appropriate deferral period (typically determined by blood bank policies) before being eligible to donate again. 1
Reassessment of donor eligibility should occur only after complete clinical recovery and clearance of any infectious process. 1
Important Distinction: Receiving vs. Donating Blood
It is critical to note that the evidence provided addresses receiving blood transfusions in patients with fever, not donating blood with fever. The clinical scenarios are fundamentally different:
Receiving transfusions with mild fever (99.7°F) may be acceptable in emergency situations where hemorrhage is life-threatening, as the benefit outweighs the risk. 2
Donating blood with any fever is contraindicated because it poses risks to recipients and the donor has no urgent medical need requiring blood removal. 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not attempt to donate blood if you have any temperature elevation above your normal baseline, even if you feel well otherwise. 1
Do not assume a "mild" fever is acceptable for blood donation—any fever warrants deferral and investigation. 1
Do not donate blood if you have recently recovered from fever without waiting the appropriate deferral period specified by your blood donation center. 1