Can you donate blood if you have multiple sclerosis?

Blood donation eligibility in the UK, USA and Australia

The short answer to; ‘can I donate blood if I have multiple sclerosis?’ depends on where you live:

• United Kingdom (NHS):  People diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) are not eligible to donate blood.
• United States (American Red Cross & others): Most people with MS can donate blood if the condition is stable and they meet other standard eligibility criteria.
• Australia (Australian Red Cross Lifeblood): People with MS cannot donate blood.

This page explains why these differences exist, what to check before donating, and alternatives for people with MS who want to help.

United Kingdom - can people with MS donate blood in the UK?

No.

If you have MS, you cannot donate blood under the NHS Blood and Transplant guidelines. This is a permanent exclusion (not temporary) regardless of whether symptoms are active or well-controlled.

Why the exclusion?

The cause of MS is not fully understood, and although MS itself isn’t infectious, UK blood donation policy applies extra caution:

• Conditions of unknown cause, including MS, must not donate, because it’s not possible to completely rule out a transmissible agent.
• This policy also applies to other neurological conditions of unknown cause.

This means:

❌ Whole blood donation: not permitted
❌ Bone marrow/stem cell donation: not permitted
✅ Organ donation: still possible (decided case-by-case and discussed with recipients)

For general UK blood eligibility criteria, see NHS Blood Donation – Who can give blood.

United States - can people with MS donate in the USA?

Yes. In most cases, individuals diagnosed with MS can donate blood as long as they:

• Meet standard donor health criteria (age, weight, general health, haemoglobin levels, etc.)
• Are not experiencing a current relapse or medical complication
• Are not taking specific medications that require deferral (ask your local blood center)

The American Red Cross and many local blood centers no longer bar MS as an automatic disqualification. This updated approach has been in place since 2007, based on evidence showing MS isn’t transmitted through blood.

Things to check before donating in the U.S.:

• You feel well and symptom-stable on the day of donation
• Your MS medications don’t require temporary deferral (some strong immunosuppressants or disease-modifying therapies might)
• You meet all other standard eligibility requirements

MS disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and other medications commonly taken by people with MS can affect eligibility. That’s because some medicines can remain in the blood and might pose potential risks to recipients, especially pregnant patients or people with weakened immune systems.

MS medications that usually do not prevent donation

Most MS medicines, especially those that do not remain in the bloodstream long-term, do not automatically disqualify you from donating blood. These can include:

• Injectable therapies like interferons or glatiramer acetate (e.g., Avonex, Rebif, Copaxone) – generally not listed as disqualifiers.
• Some oral DMTs. Ask your blood donation center about specific guidelines, as lists vary between organizations.

These medicines may be allowed because they either leave the blood quickly or are not expected to harm recipients at the trace levels present during donation.

MS medications that may affect blood donation eligibility

Some medications may delay or prevent donation because they:

• Could cause reactions in recipients (e.g., birth defects if pregnant).
• Might interfere with blood screening tests.

In the U.S., the American Red Cross medication deferral list does include Aubagio (teriflunomide).

Always confirm eligibility directly with the American Red Cross or your local blood donation center, as policies and lists of medications can vary.

Australia - can people with MS donate blood in Australia?

No.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood policies state that people with MS cannot donate blood at this time.

Why?

Lifeblood explains that because the cause of MS remains unknown, they cannot rule out theoretical risks of transmission through donated blood. So MS is a permanent exclusion for blood donation in Australia.

What About Plasma & Other Donations?

Plasma

• In the USA, people with MS can often donate plasma (similar eligibility to blood) if their health is stable and they meet all requirements.
• In the UK and Australia, people with MS generally cannot donate plasma either, due to the same exclusion rule related to the unknown cause of MS.

Bone Marrow or Stem Cells

Across most countries (UK, Australia and many others), individuals with MS are not eligible for bone marrow donation due to similar safety policies. If you are keen to donate and would like to investigate further, do contact your local health authority directly.

Practical Tips Before You Donate

If you want to donate blood or plasma and you have MS:
✔️ Check your local blood donation guidelines (country or state/province).
✔️ Contact the donation centre before booking to confirm eligibility.
✔️ Be prepared to discuss your health history and current medications.
✔️ Ensure you feel well on the day — avoid donating during relapses or when symptoms are flaring.

Alternatives to Help if You Can’t Donate

Even if you can’t donate blood or plasma:

• Register as an organ donor (where permitted)
• Encourage others to donate
• Volunteer at blood drives or fundraising events
• Support MS research and awareness campaigns

If you have MS and are thinking of donating blood but don’t live in the United Kingdom, United States or Australia you’ll need to consult with the regulations of your local health authority or those of any relative blood donation organisation.