Age limit for automated donors?

[jbattani]

Hello everyone:)

I realize in most states donors have to be at least 17 to donate blood. Does your facility's have an upper age limit for new automated donors? We have the Trima, Amicus and Auto-C. I have looked in standards, AABB Technical manual, Internet, etc. There is a discussion at my facility about this. We are getting donors coming in that are 70 and above expecting to donate pheresis, with a vein that will not handle the pressure. When we suggest they are best for whole blood they are disappointed:frown:, even though we explain they are helping save 3 lives. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Mary**]

Poor veins are one thing that age is usually not related to.

[heathervaught]

Our procedure states:

• Donors 70+ who have donated any type of donation before: accpetable for apheresis
  
• Donors 70+ who have never donated before: acceptable with statment from donor's doctor that they are acceptable for pheresis donation
  
• Donors 100+: Defer indefinitely for all product types