Allergy and anaphylactic shock

In most cases, allergy does not prevent donation. Ordinary allergies (to e.g. pollen, dust, animals or food) which are controlled using antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays or eye drops are not an obstacle to donating blood. In addition, common allergy medications (antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays, eye drops or creams used for allergic eczema) do not prevent donation.

However, a serious allergic reaction or anaphylaxis will result in a blood donation deferral period of two weeks starting after the end of treatment.

Desensitisation implemented with injections causes a three-day waiting period after each injection. If the therapy is performed with tablets, it causes a two-week long obstacle to donation starting from the day the therapy begins.

Would you like more information? Please call the free information number for blood donors on 0800 0 5801 (Mon to Fri from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).