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Hi all,

I have a question on the topic of being allowed to donate blood. Here, in
Durban, South Africa, a friend of mine who is a Celiac, was denied the
opportunity to donate blood. The reason given by the doctor was that there
were antibodies in her blood. She has been gluten-free for over a year. Her
blood was not tested for any antibodies. What sort of antibodies does this
doctor mean? Surely if she has been gluten-free for a long period of time ,
she is actually HEALTHIER than many people in the general population who
could quite possibly be UNDIAGNOSED Celiacs!

What is the situation in USA? Are Celiacs allowed to donate blood? Do you
have to state that you are a Celiac at the beginning?

What is the situation in other countries? Are Celiacs elsewhere in the world
prohibited from donating blood?

I will summarise your responses.

Many thanks.

Lucille Cholerton
(Gluten Intolerance/Coeliac Support Group, Durban, South Africa)
Web Page: http://www.labspec.co.za/coeliac/index.htm