what are the qualifications to donate blood

Donating blood is safe and convenient when you are:

• In good health
• 17 years or older—16 with written parental consent (PDF)
• At least 110 pounds (female donors age 16-18 have additional height and weight requirements)
• Free of antibiotics for 24 hours, unless taken for preventative reasons
• Symptom-free for at least 72 hours following a cold or flu

Full Answer

What conditions disqualify you from donating blood?

Anyone who is age 17 or older may be eligible to donate blood. Individuals who are 16 years old may be eligible to donate with parental consent. You must bring a valid picture ID prior to donation. Donors age 19 and up must weigh at least 110 pounds. *16-year-old donors must have parental consent.

What to know before you donate blood?

You must weigh at least 110 lbs to be eligible for blood donation for your own safety. Students who donate at high school drives and donors 18 years of age or younger must also meet additional height and weight requirements for whole blood donation (applies to girls shorter than 5'6" and boys shorter than 5').

What are the prerequisites for donating blood?

General qualifications to DONATE BLOOD You must bring a valid picture ID prior to donation. Donors age 19 and up must weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors age 16 to 18 must weigh 122 pounds. *16-year-old donors must have parental consent. Potential donors must be in general good health, without any cold or flu symptoms.

Why is 50 kg the minimum weight to donate blood?

What is the age limit for blood donation?

There is no upper age limit for blood donation as long as you are well with no restrictions or limitations to your activities. In-Depth Discussion of Age and Blood Donation. Those younger than age 17 are almost always legal minors (not yet of the age of majority) who cannot give consent by themselves to donate blood.

How long do you have to wait to donate blood?

Wait at least 8 weeks between whole blood (standard) donations. Wait at least 7 days between platelet (pheresis) donations . Wait at least 16 weeks between Power Red (automated) donations. First-time male donors may be eligible to donate blood if they have not had sex with another man in more than 3 months.

How long after taking aspirin can you donate blood?

Aspirin. Aspirin, no waiting period for donating whole blood. However, you must wait 2 full days after taking aspirin or any medication containing aspirin before donating platelets by apheresis. For example, if you take aspirin products on Monday, the soonest you may donate platelets is Thursday.

How long after blood transfusion can you donate?

Blood Transfusion. Wait for 3 months after receiving a blood transfusion from another person in the United States. You may not donate if you received a blood transfusion since 1980 in France, Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar or Falkland Islands.

Does the Red Cross accept hemochromatosis?

American Red Cross does not accept individuals with hemochromatosis as blood donors. Learn more about Hematocrit here. Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Blood Count. In order to donate blood, a woman must have a hemoglobin level of at least 12.5 g/dL, and a man must have a hemoglobin level of at least 13.0 g/dL.

How to contact the Red Cross for blood donation?

Individuals with questions about their donation eligibility can contact the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276. For the purposes of blood donation gender is self-identified and self-reported, which is relevant to the transgender community.

How is blood volume determined?

Blood volume is determined by body weight and height. Individuals with low blood volumes may not tolerate the removal of the required volume of blood given with whole blood donation. There is no upper weight limit as long as your weight is not higher than the weight limit of the donor bed/lounge you are using.

How long does it take to donate blood?

Blood donation is given within two weeks to six months following resolution of symptoms. Must be at least 16 years old (16- and some 17-year-olds must bring a signed permission form from a parent or guardian, if required by state or school). Weigh at least 110 pounds.

How old do you have to be to donate?

Certain height/weight criteria may apply for donors 22 years old or younger. Be in good general health. For your safety and to ensure a positive donation experience, make sure you eat within two hours ahead of your donation. Drink plenty of water that day and 24 to 48 hours beforehand.