how to know if you can donate blood

You can give blood if you:

• are fit and healthy
• weigh between 7 stone 12 lbs and 25 stone, or 50kg and 158kg
• are aged between 17 and 66 (or 70 if you have given blood before)
• are over 70 and have given a full blood donation in the last two years

Full Answer

What should we know before we donate blood?

OneBlood welcomes blood donations from donors 16 years old and older. 16 year-old donors, however, must present a signed permission form from their parent or a guardian before the blood donation. And you are never too old to donate blood. If you are in good health, and qualify for other eligibility guidelines, you can donate blood regardless of age.

What kinds of food can I eat before donating blood?

Jan 14, 2022 · You are 17 years of age. In some states, you can donate blood if you are 16 years old and have parental consent. You weigh at least 110 lbs. You have not donated blood in the past 56 days. You can also donate blood if you have: Asthma if it’s well treated, with no current shortness of breath.

What questions will be asked before I donate blood?

Jan 19, 2022 · To see if you're eligible to give, you'll want to first check the general health requirements for blood donation, including that you meet a certain age, weight, and sometimes height and that you ...

How important is it to eat before donating blood?

There aren’t any lasting side effects, but you may temporarily: Need to hydrate. Drink more non-alcoholic beverages for 24-48 hours after you donate blood. Need to take it easy. Don’t work out or do any hard physical activity for 24 hours after giving blood. Feel …

How do you know if you are capable of donating blood?

Requirements for blood donation.At least 16 years old to donate whole blood (at least 17 to donate platelets) in most states.Weigh at least 110 pounds.In good health and be feeling well.Aug 25, 2020

Who Cannot donate blood?

You are eligible to donate blood if you are in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and are 17 years or older. You are not eligible to donate blood if you: Have ever used self-injected drugs (non-prescription) Had hepatitis.

Who can not donate blood in Australia?

Reasons that may prevent you from being a blood donor, either temporarily or permanently, include:age (the minimum age for donors is 16 years; people older than 80 cannot donate; and those over 70 cannot become new donors);being pregnant, recently pregnant or breast feeding;current or recent short-term illness;More items...•Sep 15, 2017

Who Cannot donate blood plasma?

People who have a fever, productive cough, or are feeling generally unwell shouldn't donate. This also applies to people who are currently receiving antibiotics for active infections. Medical conditions. There are 23 conditions that the American Red Cross considers when screening blood donors.Sep 22, 2020

Can you give blood if you smoke?

While people currently need to wait four months after a new tattoo or piercing, there are no specific criteria preventing smokers or vegetarians from donating.Dec 29, 2016

Can a person with tattoos donate blood?

Most people can donate blood immediately after getting inked, as long as the tattoo was applied at a state-regulated entity that uses sterile needles and ink that is not reused.Jul 19, 2021

Can I donate blood if I have a tattoo?

You must be in good health at the time you donate. You cannot donate if you have a cold, flu, sore throat, cold sore, stomach bug or any other infection. If you have recently had a tattoo or body piercing you cannot donate for 6 months from the date of the procedure.

Can I donate blood if I don't know my blood type?

You don't need to know your blood type. We need donors of all blood types to ensure a sufficient supply for patients. Donors may be notified of their blood type following their donation when they receive their blood donor card or by creating a profile through the Red Cross Blood Donor App.Nov 6, 2019

Can you donate blood on your period?

You can safely donate blood during your period if it is required and your period will not be affected by the donation. It may be better to donate the week after periods, but it is still manageable if you are not bleeding heavily, your haemoglobin is more than 11 g/dl and you are not in any discomfort or pain.Jun 14, 2020

Does it hurt to give blood?

Donating blood isn't a pain-free experience. You may experience pain when the needle is inserted into your arm. You shouldn't feel any pain while the blood is being drawn, but you may experience an uncomfortable sensation at the site where the needle is inserted into your arm.

Why would a blood donor be rejected?

There are certain conditions that mean you may never be able to follow the dictates of your community conscience. A history of hepatitis, heart disease, cancer and bleeding disorders, convulsions or AIDS or being in an AIDS risk group will disqualify you.Dec 22, 1988

Why do they check your elbows when donating plasma?

Because arteries have higher blood pressure than veins, a puncture can lead to bleeding into the arm tissues around the puncture site. The signs of an arterial puncture include a faster blood flow and lighter-than-usual color of blood running through the tubes to the machine collecting your plasma.

What should you not do before giving blood?

Five Things NOT To Do Before Giving BloodDon't eat immediately before donating. ... Don't give blood if you feel sick. ... Don't worry about drinking coffee, tea or any other caffeinated beverages before donating. ... Don't smoke or drink alcoholic beverages before donating. ... Don't stay up too late the night before.Dec 7, 2021

Can I donate blood is I have low iron or Anemia?

Donors who present and testing indicates a low iron result, you will not be eligible to donate blood. We understand that rescheduling can be frustr...

Can I donate blood if I am taking medication?

Most medications do not disqualify you from donating blood however the condition you are being treated for may result in you being deferred from do...

Can I donate blood if I have Diabetes?

If your diabetes is being treated and is under control, you are most likely able to donate blood. You should let your doctor know that you plan to...

Can I donate blood if I have/had cancer?

Most localized skin cancers are not a reason to stop you from donating blood. Because many different types of cancer exist, we will ask you a few q...

Can I donate blood if I got a tattoo or body piercing?

People who received a tattoo at a state-licensed and regulated facility are now eligible to donate blood once the area has healed. People who recei...

What are the age requirements to donate blood?

OneBlood welcomes blood donations from donors 16 years old and older. 16 year-old donors, however, must present a signed permission form from their...

What is the Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) or “Mad Cow” deferral?

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has implemented regulations to protect the blood supply against the risk of mad cow disease, variant Creu...

Can I donate blood if I have recently traveled out of the country?

People who travel to countries where malaria is endemic will be deferred from donating blood for three months upon returning to the United States.

Can I donate blood if I recently had a surgery or minor illness?

Donors are required to feel well at the time of the blood donation, so a cold, flu, or allergies may temporarily prevent someone from donating bloo...

Can I donate blood if I am pregnant?

Pregnant women are not eligible to donate blood, but they become eligible six weeks after giving birth. Women who are nursing are encouraged to dri...

Why Give Blood

You don't need a special reason to give blood. You just need your own reason.

What to Expect at Your Donation

Registration — You will sign in, show an ID, and be asked to read some required information.

How to Get Ready

Donors must have proof of age to ensure they meet the minimum age requirements and present a primary form of ID or two secondary forms of ID.

How many people were killed in the Las Vegas shooting?

In the Las Vegas shooting on Sunday night, at least 58 people were killed, and more than 400 others were transported to hospitals. Early this morning, the Las Vegas Police Department tweeted about the need for local blood donors, reminding us that in the wake of this tragedy—as well as the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Maria, Irma, ...

Does the FDA regulate blood donation?

The FDA regulates donor blood just as aggressively as it regulates drugs. “It takes a lot of money to do the infectious-disease testing that we do [on donor blood], and when we create blood products out of the donation, that’s done to the same standards as any drug manufactured in this country.

Why do people donate blood?

There are also potential benefits for people who regularly donate blood: Lower iron levels in blood. This is a plus if your iron levels are too high. Donating blood removes some red blood cells, which carry iron throughout your body. Better cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

How long does it take to donate blood?

Donation. Refreshments. While the whole process, from the time you get to the facility to the time you leave, can take about an hour, the actual donation itself may take as little as 8-10 minutes.

How long after blood donation can you drink?

There aren’t any lasting side effects, but you may temporarily: Need to hydrate. Drink more non-alcoholic beverages for 24-48 hours after you donate blood.

Can you donate blood to a tattoo?

Tattoos, in most states, aren’t a barrier to giving blood, provided that the tattoo artist followed good safety practices (like using sterile needles and not reusing ink). A few states may require a waiting period between when you get a tattoo and when you donate blood, but in general, it’s not an issue. 3. Donation.

How long after birth can you donate blood?

You must wait 6 weeks after giving birth to donate blood. This includes a miscarriage or abortion. Travel to countries with high malaria risks. Though travel abroad doesn’t automatically make you ineligible, there are some restrictions that you should discuss with your blood donation center.

How old do you have to be to donate blood?

According to the American Red Cross, there are some criteria with regard to who can donate blood. In most states, you must be at least 17 years old to donate platelets or plasma and at least 16 years old to donate whole blood. Younger donors may be eligible in certain states if they’ve a signed parental consent form.

How long does it take for blood to replenish?

The time it takes to replenish blood from a blood donation can vary from person to person. Your age, height, weight, and overall health all play a role. According to the American Red Cross, plasma is generally replenished within 24 hours, while red blood cells return to their normal levels within 4 to 6 weeks.

What to eat before blood donation?

Eat well. Eating foods rich in iron and vitamin C before you donate will help make up for the drop in iron levels that can happen with a blood donation. Vitamin C can help your body absorb plant-based iron from foods such as: beans and lentils. nuts and seeds. leafy greens, like spinach, broccoli, and collards.

How often can you donate red blood cells?

Whole blood contains red cells, white cells, and platelets all suspended in a liquid called plasma. According to the American Red Cross, most people can donate whole blood every 56 days.

How often can you donate platelets?

Platelets are cells that help form blood clots and control bleeding. People can usually donate platelets once every 7 days, up to 24 times a year. Plasma-only donations can typically be done once every 28 days, up to 13 times a year.

How does a sterile needle work?

A new sterile needle will then be inserted into a vein in your arm, and blood will start to flow into a collection pouch. While your blood is being drawn, you can relax. Some blood centers show movies or have a television playing to keep you distracted.