can those of us with ITP donate blood?

Are those of us with ITP permitted to donate blood? This may be a dumb question considering the nature of ITP but I would think that some components of blood from someone with low platelet levels could be used medically. I read that there is a serious/critical shortage in the nations blood supply. To be honest I have never donated blood because of the irrational fear(from passing out while have blood draws as a kid) that ive held on to over the decades. I could count on one hand the number of times I had blood draws until ITP and I became acquainted last year. I exceeded in number all previous blood draws I had ever experienced my first day in the hospital last July. I was pretty much over any fear or concern from blood draws by the end of that first night in hospital with many more to come over the days, weeks, and months to follow.

I would very much like to do so this week if I am accepted as a donor.

I've been told no even tho I'm in remission.

These are UK guidelines. I am petty sure they are set by World Health Organisation so will apply worldwide.
Thrombocytopenia - Immune : Immune Thrombocytopenia
You may donate provided:

1. You have no symptoms relating to this condition (such as bleeding or bruising)
2. You have been fully recovered and off all treatment for 5 years or more
3. Your platelet count is higher than 120
4. You have not been treated with a plasma exchange or any other blood product since 1st January 1980

You may donate even if you require antibiotics to prevent infection following a splenectomy as long as all of the above also applies.

I've always been told no, but I guess that makes sense since I have almost never had a platelet count above 120k (which is a requirement according to mrsb's list)
Interesting to see those guidelines!

thank you for the information. Im disappointed but not surprised. Darn it.

I suggest you call and talk to the head of the blood center near you. I did that and was told I could, but it was a few years ago and I don't recall the details of what I was told. Ended up not donating though.

I did call and was informed that I am not eligible to donate blood at this time due to how recently I was diagnosed with ITP and that my platelet levels are at 100. INterestingly enough, out of curiosity due to my own platelet transfusion last year, I looked up platelet donations and I had no idea that it was an entirely different process than simple blood donation. Apparently when donating platelets it takes 3 hours or so and involves removing blood from one arm, running that blood through a machine which removes the platelets, and then returns your platelet free blood back into your body through the other arm. Really fascinating. Hopefully one day I can be at a place where I can return the favor by donating both blood and platelets.

I have a friend who started donating platelets after my diagnosis. It is an interesting process.
Were you told how long after diagnosis you are eligible to donate?

I was informed by the Red Cross that my platelet levels had to be within a normal range, that I was not undergoing current treatments, and that I was in remission from ITP.

Based on my level being at 100 and I guess not in remission I do not qualify.

This brings up an interesting question that just occurred to me. What is considered, technically, remission with ITP? Is it having platelet levels over 150 for a certain period of time? Can one be considered in remission if platelet levels are stable at, say, 120 or 130 for a considerable amount of time?

Remission - some will say count within the normal range, some will say a good count & no treatment.
I go with the latter. I haven't treated since 2002 when the tetanus booster did me in and I refused prednisone so had a WinRho IV, since then my count has bounced all around but has been decent and no treatment - I say I am in remission.

I'll look later to see what is said on lab reports for my count when it is 100 or 109 or in that range - I believe it doesn't even say low.

Unfortunately 'remission' is a very subjective term and open to multiple interpretations.
From a medical point of view anyone who is symptom free and maintaining a count above 50 by taking medications would be classed as in remission.

Interesting you say 'with medication.' I always thought of remission as being disease free without relying on medication.