who can and 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.

Full Answer

What are the reasons why a person cannot donate blood?

Jan 14, 2022 · Who can donate blood? According to the American Red Cross, you can donate blood under the following circumstances: You are not feeling sick and are in good health. 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.

Is there any reason why women cannot donate blood?

You must be at least 17 years old to donate to the general blood supply, or 16 years old with parental/guardian consent, if allowed by state law. 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.

What conditions disqualify you from donating 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.

What makes you ineligible to give blood?

Male donors+ must be at least 17 years old in most states, at least 5'1" tall and weigh at least 130 lbs. Female donors+ must be at least 19 years old, at least 5'5" tall and weigh at least 150 lbs. See additional requirements for student donors >>. Learn more about donating Power Red >>. …

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.

What can exclude you from donating blood?

General health issues that won't allow people to donate bloodHaving a fever (above 99.5°F) or an acute infection at the time of donation, or feeling unwell, having a cold, flu, or trouble breathing.Pregnancy.High blood pressure reading (top number above 180, or bottom number above 100)More items...•Jan 14, 2022

Why can't family members donate blood to each other?

Family blood donation is generally discouraged as they are often first time or infrequent donors and do not have a safety history established. Additionally, mothers may have antibodies that react against RBC, leukocyte, platelet, or HLA antigens expressed on neonatal cells.

What is the criteria for donating blood?

Age: First time donor: 18-60 years old. Regular donor: 18-65 years old. Prospective donor aged 17 years old must provide written consent from his or her parents / guardian.

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 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 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 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 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 old do you have to be to donate blood?

According to the general blood donation criteria, donors must: be at least 16 years of age. weigh at least 110 pounds (lb) not have mild illnesses, such as a cold or the flu. not have unmedicated diabetes, anemia, or hypertension (high blood pressure)

Why is it important to donate blood?

Donating blood is a great way of saving people’s lives. The criteria for donating blood allow most of the population to donate regularly. Local blood banks have information on how many blood donors they need and how the process of donating works.

How long do you have to wait to donate platelets?

aspirin. no waiting period for whole blood, but 2 days from last dose before donating platelets by aphere sis.

How much weight do you need to donate blood?

People must weigh at least 110 lb to be eligible to donate blood. People who weigh less than this may not be able to tolerate the removal of the required amount of blood.

What is AB plasma?

Plasma is a pale yellow liquid in whole blood. It helps fight infection and encourages blood to clot. AB plasma is a universal donor plasma because it is compatible with all blood types. Plasma donors can undergo apheresis to take out the plasma from whole blood. To donate AB elite plasma, people must:

Can you donate blood if you have consumed or smoked marijuana?

As long as you meet the basic requirements — you’re in good health, 16 or older and weigh at least 110 pounds — you are eligible to donate blood if you used non-synthetic marijuana. Marijuana is a plant that can be used naturally for medicinal and recreational purposes.

Can you donate blood if you have been exposed to coronavirus?

The Red Cross only accepts blood from individuals who are healthy at the time of their donation. Individuals who have been exposed after caring for someone who has coronavirus or someone who has recently recovered from the virus must wait 28 days after being symptom-free to donate blood.

Do labs screen your blood for coronavirus?

Each donor is screened for transmissible diseases by questionnaire at the time of their donation. Each unit of blood is also screened for various infectious diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Currently, blood is not being screened for the novel coronavirus.

Can blood donors wear a mask?

The Red Cross requires donors to properly wear a mask. If you don’t own a mask and still want to donate, one will be provided to you. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a mask, the Red Cross is asking that you postpone your donation appointment.

Can you donate blood if you are on medication?

You are typically eligible to donate blood if you’re taking medication. Your eligibility to donate will be based on the reason that the medication was prescribed to you. If your condition is under control and you’re healthy, you’re likely able to donate.

Can you donate blood if you have recently traveled?

While many countries have instituted travel restrictions to mitigate risks of the coronavirus spreading, you aren’t necessarily ineligible to donate blood if you’ve recently traveled. According to the FDA, some donor establishments will defer donors who have traveled due to the coronavirus.

What if I live somewhere that is sheltering in place?

The Red Cross has made it possible for people to donate even in areas that have shelter-in-place declarations. If you’re looking for more ways to give back to your community than just by donating blood, here’s how to send free meals to frontline coronavirus workers as well as other acts of kindness you can do from home.

How old do you have to be to donate 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. Donors age 16 to 18 must weigh 122 pounds. *16-year-old donors must have parental consent.

How long can you donate blood after getting a tattoo?

For example, when you get a tattoo, you’ll be deferred for a week. That means you can donate blood one week after it was done . Or you may receive an indefinite deferral, whe re you aren't able to donate blood unless federal regulations change in the future.

What is the phone number for a donor?

If the country you have visited is not listed, you may call (713) 791-6612 or (713) 791-6608 or email Medical Services. U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials announced changes in April 2020 that affect donor eligibility.

What is plasma used for?

Some of this is used for transfusion, but because the other components of whole blood (red blood cells and platelets) are used more frequently than plasma, plasma that would otherwise expire is used to make life-saving medications.

How many people can donate blood?

Red blood cell, plasma, and platelets all the components of blood are vital for a lifeline. But, are you aware that only one in thirty people can donate blood.

How long do you have to wait to donate blood after getting a tattoo?

If you get a tattoo done from such places you have to wait for 12 months before donating blood, else you might spread infection (2). Always discuss your situation with a healthcare professional. Also, if gone for certain cosmetic treatments which require piecing with needles you got to wait at least for 4 months.

How long after syphilis can you donate blood?

In some, despite getting the treatment, they need to be re-treated. If wanting to donate blood, you should wait for 12 months after getting fully treated.