New rule: having a blood transfusion no longer makes you automatically ineligible as a donor
As of 1 October 2024, you will no longer be automatically ineligible to donate blood if you have received a blood transfusion yourself earlier in life. This means that for a large group of people it will now be possible to become a donor or start donating blood again. Eligibility will now depend on the reason the person received a blood transfusion.
Have you received a blood transfusion?
As of 1 October 2024, the reason for the transfusion will determine whether you can be a donor.
Please note: Plasma medicines and transfusions with your own blood are not counted as blood transfusions.
Choose what applies to you:
1. Cancer, heart attack, new heart valve, hereditary blood disease
- Transfusion after blood loss or anemia due to:
- Cancer and cancer treatment*
- Treatment of a heart attack or replacement of a heart valve
- Hereditary blood disease (for example sickle cell disease)
Unfortunately, if you have received a transfusion for one of these reasons, you can’t be a donor.
*We are still investigating whether it is possible to become a donor after recovery from certain types of cancer.
2. Birth, pregnancy, delivery, accident, surgery
Transfusion after blood loss or anemia in connection with:
- your birth
- a pregnancy
- delivering a baby
- an accident
- an operation (for example a hip operation)
Welcome! In this situation, it is safe for you to donate blood and plasma from four months after receiving a transfusion. You can now register as a blood donor (Dutch).
3.Transfusion for another reason
Transfusion after blood loss or anemia for another reason.
Contact Sanquin
If you have received a blood product or transfusion and your situation is not listed here, please contact us on 088-7308688 (Mon-Thu 08:00-20:00, Fri until 17:00) or send a message.
To find out if you can be a donor, check here: I want to donate (In Dutch).