Breast Milk

Breast feeding has not become established.

Menstrual Blood

Aged less than 13 years.

Peripheral Blood

Poor peripheral access, no collection from arm with lymph node removal. Anaemia. Donation limit: 1 unit per 6 weeks.

Rectal Swab or Stoma Swab

Within three months of bowel surgery. Donation limit: 1 donation per calendar month. Frequency may be increased if deemed appropriate by clinical staff.

Saliva

Medications for saliva production or artificial saliva. Donation limit: 1 donation per calendar month. Frequency may be increased if deemed appropriate by clinical staff.

Throat & Nasal Swabs

Head and neck trauma, basal skull fracture or suspicion of. Surgery to nose or throat which alters anatomy. Donation limit: 1 donation per calendar month. Frequency may be increased if deemed appropriate by clinical staff.

Urine

Case by case basis dependant on source of urine (e.g. MSU, CSU, 24hour collection and urostomy).

Vaginal Swab

Pregnancy, surgery which alters anatomy, Female Genital Mutilation.

Breast Milk

No additional risk to you, however you may experience some discomfort during the process of expressing breast milk.

Menstrual Blood

There is no risk to collecting menstrual blood, however you may have difficulty with insertion and removal of a menstrual cup. Also, the cup may cause vaginal irritation and has been shown in a small number of cases to cause infection and Toxic Shock Syndrome. Please discuss with a healthcare professional if using an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device. The cup should not be used during treatment for vaginal infections.

Peripheral Blood

You may experience a pin prick sensation during the initial insertion of the collection device (needle) into your skin. It is possible that patients will experience discomfort during and immediately after the procedure. This usually settles quite quickly, but if it continues you should tell a medical professional. Bruising or a small lump (haematoma) may develop after taking a sample of blood. Applying firm pressure to the site until the bleeding has stopped should help to minimise this. Bruising is harmless and will disappear with time and does not usually require treatment.

Rectal or Stoma Swabs

There is a risk to you of irritation, trauma, infection and minor bleeding. You may find the collection process uncomfortable. There is also a risk of ingestion of sample preservative if you do not follow instructions correctly.

Saliva

No risks to you, however you may find the collection process difficult. There is a risk of ingestion of sample preservative if you do not follow instructions correctly.

Throat & Nasal Swabs

There is a risk of trauma to your nose and throat. You may find the collection process uncomfortable. There is also a risk of ingestion of sample preservative if you do not follow instructions correctly.

Urine; Catheter Sample

There are no risks to collecting a urine sample, however you may find the collection process difficult. If you have a catheter, there may be an increased risk of infection.

Vaginal Swab

There is a risk of vaginal irritation, trauma, infection and discomfort. There is also a risk of ingestion of sample preservative if you do not follow instructions correctly.

Birthing Material (including Umbilical Cord Blood, Umbilical Cord Tissue, Placenta, Products of Conception and Amniotic Tissue)

No additional risks to you or your baby beyond those of the planned procedure or birthing plan. Collection of Cord Blood and Cord Tissue is painless and completed after birth when no longer attached to you or your baby. Your Placenta is collected after delivery when no longer attached. There is no risk to you or your baby. Amniotic Fluid will be collected as a result of a clinically indicated need for an amniotomy (artificial breaking of waters during the birthing process). Associated risks with this clinical procedure will be discussed by a Midwife or Doctor. Age restriction: Under 15s are not eligible; those over 16 are eligible.

Blood Collected by Apheresis / Leukapheresis

Apheresis (leukapheresis) involves collecting white blood cells through a needle placed in a vein, usually in your arm. The procedure typically takes several hours. Some people may experience temporary side effects such as dizziness, irritability, dry mouth or discomfort at the collection site. Bruising may also occur where the needle is inserted. Less commonly, anaemia, bleeding or allergic reactions can occur. Our clinical team closely monitors participants throughout the procedure and will take appropriate steps to minimise risks and manage any side effects.

Bone Marrow

No additional risk to you beyond those of the planned procedure. These associated risks will be discussed with you by the treating Medical and/or Surgical Team.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

No additional risk to you beyond those of the planned procedure. These will be explained to you fully before the procedure by the treating Medical and/or Surgical Team.

Lochia (Bleeding Following Birth)

No additional risk to you when using a sanitary pad or similar device if hygiene is maintained. Internal collection methods should not be used for 6 weeks post-birth due to the possibility of increased discomfort and infection.

Molar Teeth

There are no risks if the tooth has fallen out naturally or is being removed as part of routine dental care. BioGrad does not support or accept teeth that have been forcibly removed solely for donation purposes, as this can cause injury, infection or other complications. Any teeth received will be assessed for signs of trauma or forced removal. If a tooth is removed surgically, any risks will be explained by your dentist before the procedure.