 |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
FAQs About Donating Blood
Who Can Donate?
Anyone who is in good health, is at least 17 years old, and weighs at least 110 pounds may donate blood every 56 days.
Questions About Eligibility
Some health conditions or medications may temporarily or permanently prevent persons from donating blood. The Food and Drug Administration regulates all blood centers and establishes the eligibility guidelines. For more information on these guidelines please refer to "Blood Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)" on the FDA's website.
Medical Conditions
| AIDS-individuals at high risk and their partners | cannot donate |
| Colds and flu | cannot donate |
| Hepatitis and Jaundice after Age 11 |
cannot donate |
| Malaria visit to malaria area residing in/moving from malaria area |
one-year wait three-year wait |
| Pregnancy after delivery, miscarriage, abortion |
six-week wait |
| Menstruation | can donate |
Medical Procedures
| Surgery without transfusion with transfusion of blood or blood components |
can donate 1-year wait |
Medications
| Antibiotics oral injectable |
24hrs from last dose seven-day wait |
| Allergy Medications, Diuretics, Diet Pills, Sleeping Pills, Tranquilizers, Aspirin, Tylenol | can donate |
| Blood Pressure Medications (Most Types) |
can donate |
Vaccinations
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella | one-month wait |
| Flu | can donate |
| Hepatitis B | can donate |
Other Possible Restrictions
| Ear Piercing professionally done |
can donate |
| Body Piercing | can donate - IF the piercing was performed by a sterile needle or single use tool (you should insist on this, for your protection!) - AND the piercing site has fully healed. |
| Tattooing | one year deferral |
Donation Process
- Read high risk information
- Prospective donors first complete a health history questionnaire and screening interview.
- The next step involves a brief physical examination of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and a test for anemia.
- If the prescribed medical requirements are met, a unit (about one pint) of blood is drawn from the donor. Afterwards, donors are served refreshments while remaining seated for a few minutes.
- The entire process usually takes less than one hour.
You Cannot Get AIDS From Donating Blood
Only sterile, disposable equipment is used throughout the donation process, which makes it virtually impossible to contract a disease from donating blood.
Where to Donate?
Select the most convenient donation center for a map, driving directions and hours.
