Arthritis

You can give blood if you have osteoarthritis (i.e. wear and tear arthritis) that is under good control and you can climb onto the donation bed without assistance, even if you take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other pain-killers regularly. However, you must tell us what medication you are taking as some medications can be harmful to a patient receiving a blood transfusion.

If you are waiting for an operation such as a hip or knee replacement, please let us know so that we can advise you if you should wait until after the operation before you give blood. See Surgery.

You cannot give blood if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis even if you do not require any treatment at present.

You can give blood if you had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, as long as your arthritis is not active and you are completely well and have no symptoms and do not need treatment.