Can people with rheumatoid arthritis donate blood?

Blood donation is a generous gift. Does having rheumatoid arthritis, other rheumatic diseases, or taking certain medications make a person ineligible? read more

We asked rheumatologist Scott J. Zashin, M.D., who explained, "Patients with Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, and scleroderma are not able to donate blood. Most patients with rheumatoid arthritis are not able to donate. read more

People with rheumatoid arthritis have antibodies against some of host antigens. So, theoretically when blood is donated, and the person receive whole blood, there is every possiblity that the antibodies are also transferred and can cause transient symptoms in the recipient. read more

Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. read more