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The Icelandic Blood Bank Frontpage
The Icelandic Blood Bank Frontpage

The Blood Bank

Fracture

Donor eligibility

Deferral period for blood donation after a bone fracture ranges from 1 week - 4 months. It depends on the type of fracture and if surgery was needed. Wounds need to be healed, no need for wound dressing / cast and no signs of infection. Donor is fully recovered.

Donors can be considered to be fully recovered if they:

  • are well.

  • have regained mobility.

  • are back to activities of daily living (e.g. housework, employment, driving).

Check medication, see list of medication.

See Please note:

Exceptions and comments

Please note:

  • Minor fracture: For example: Toe- or finger, fractured ribs, uncomplicated wrist fracture / bone crack where no surgery is needed. Can donate blood 1 week after fully recovered.

  • Major fracture: For example: Fracture in femur, hip, ankle, arm, clavicle. Multiple fractures with or without surgery, open fracture: Can donate blood 4 months after fracture occurred or 4 months after surgery.

  • If screws, plates, wires and / or rods are inserted: Can donate blood 4 months after surgery, since it can take time before symptoms of infection appear.

  • Removal of screws, plates, wires and / or rods: Can donate blood when stitches have been removed, wounds have healed and no signs of infection.

Further information:

  • An unhealed wound or sore is a risk for bacteria entering the blood. Bacteria can be a serious threat to anybody receiving blood or blood components. This is because bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels after collection.

  • A plaster-cast can hide a wound or sore.

Keywords: Bone fracture, broken bone, fracture, cast, plaster cast, broken toe, broken finger, broken ankle, broken rib, skull fracture, broken lower leg, broken femur, hip fracture, broken wrist, broken arm, broken elbow, broken shoulder, broken knee, pelvic fracture, spinal fracture, spinal surgery, nails, screws, plates, sutures, fracture surgery, screw insertion, plate insertion, nail insertion, screw removal, nail removal, plate removal

Valid from: 16. April 2026