Are You Eligible to Donate Blood? Check Below!
Are You Eligible to Donate Blood? Check Below!
Basic Blood Donation Requirements
Most people in good health, at least 18 years old, and weighing at least 110 pounds may donate whole blood every 56 days.
Low Iron
Low iron or low hemoglobin levels may affect your eligibility to donate blood
- Hemoglobin is checked before every donation
- If levels are too low, you may be temporarily deferred
- Iron-rich foods and proper hydration may help improve levels
- Eligible donors can return once hemoglobin reaches the required range
Medication
Most medications don’t prevent you from donating blood, but some do come with short waiting periods depending on use and condition.
- Antibiotics: eligible 1 day after completing treatment
- PrEP: 3-month deferral
- Non-prescribed injections: 3-month wait
- Blood thinners / aspirin: may require a brief pause
- Birth control: no restrictions
Medical History
Past or current medical conditions may influence when you’re able to donate blood.
- Cancer: Eligible 1 year after treatment completion
- Blood cancer: Permanent deferral
- Pregnancy: Eligible 6 weeks after
- Diabetes: Eligible if well-managed
- Recent illness/surgery: May require a short wait
Tattoos
Eligibility after tattoos or piercings varies based on how they were performed
- State-regulated location: usually eligible immediately
- Non-regulated location: wait 3 months
- Recent piercing: requires a 3-month wait unless single-use equipment was used
Travel
Donation eligibility can change based on travel and potential health exposures.
- Trips abroad: may mean a short waiting period
- Travel to malaria-risk areas: commonly 3 months before donating
- Living in malaria-risk regions: 3-year deferral
- Select countries: may have longer eligibility delays
Blood Donation Eligibility: Medications, Medical Conditions & Other Restrictions
The information above provide blood donation eligibility and restrictions based on certain medications, medical conditions, recent vaccines, and other potential factors that may affect your ability to donate blood at this time. Please review the additional information provided for clarification or call us at (601)-368-2673.
Blood Donation Eligibility: Medications, Medical Conditions & Other Restrictions
The information above provide blood donation eligibility and restrictions based on certain medications, medical conditions, recent vaccines, and other potential factors that may affect your ability to donate blood at this time. Please review the additional information provided for clarification or call us at (601)-368-2673.