who is not eligible to donate blood

by Prof. Emilio Hoppe 3 min read

People who might not be able to donate blood include those who:

  • have used needles to take drugs, steroids, or other substances that a doctor has not prescribed
  • have engaged in sex for money or drugs
  • test positive for certain conditions, such as HIV or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
  • have taken certain medications
  • are male and have had sexual contact with other males in the past 3 months

Full Answer

What conditions disqualify you from donating blood?

Jan 14, 2022 · 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.

What are the reasons why a person cannot donate blood?

If you had leukemia or lymphoma, including Hodgkin’s Disease and other cancers of the blood, you are not eligible to donate. Other types of cancer are acceptable if the cancer has been treated successfully and it has been more than 12 months since treatment was completed and there has been no cancer recurrence in this time.

Why is 50 kg the minimum weight to donate blood?

You must not give blood: If you engaged in “at risk” sexual activity in the past 12 months . Individuals with behaviours below will be deferred permanently: Have ever had a positive test for HIV (AIDS virus) Have ever injected recreational drugs. * In the national blood donor selection guidelines, there are more behavior eligibility criteria.

What are the weight restrictions for donating blood?

a person is not allowed to donate blood, Are not under a doctor’s care for any serious illness or injury,Donors must: Be at least 17 years of age (16-year-olds may donate blood with a parent/guardian’s consent), 16 year-old donors, Medications, Women who are nursing are encouraged to drink plenty of water both before and after donating blood.

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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.

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

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

Who Cannot donate blood Philippines?

Persons with the following conditions are not allowed to donate blood anyime:Cancer.Cardiac disease.Sever lung disease.Hepatitis B and C.HIV infection, AIDS or Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)High risk occupation (e.g. prostitution)Unexplained weight loss of more than 5 kg over 6 months.Chronic alcoholism.More items...

What is the eligibility to donate blood?

Whole Blood Donor Body weight of at least 45 kg. In good physical and mental health with no chronic medical illness. Not on long term medications and has not been intoxicated by alcohol within 24 hours prior to donation. Should not be fasting and have had enough sleep (more than 5 hours) the night before donating.Sep 8, 2011

Can diabetics donate blood?

People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are eligible to give blood donations. You should have your condition under control and be in otherwise good health before you donate blood. Having your diabetes under control means that you maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

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.

Can you donate blood with an autoimmune disease?

Some questions about donating A health services provider in California, called Providence Health & Services, agrees that autoimmune patients cannot or should not donate blood, stating that people with autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease, lupus, MS, and RA have a “permanent deferral” from giving blood.Nov 11, 2018

Why can't you donate blood after getting a tattoo?

The American Red Cross require a 12-month waiting period after receiving a tattoo in an unregulated facility before a person can donate blood. This is due to the risk of hepatitis. Hepatitis is a type of liver inflammation.Mar 18, 2020

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

What is RA 7719 all about?

Republic Act No. 7719, also known as the National Blood Services Act of 1994, promotes voluntary blood donation to provide sufficient supply of safe blood and to regulate blood banks. This act aims to inculcate public awareness that blood donation is a humanitarian act.

Can a thyroid patient can donate blood?

Thyroid disease Patients with thyroid disease may not donate if the condition is under investigation or if malignancy is suspected. Anyone on maintenance therapy with levothyroxine must be stabilised for at least three months before donation. An over- or an underactive thyroid increases the risk of heart disease.Jun 1, 2013

What happens if you donate blood with high blood pressure?

Acceptable as long as your blood pressure is below 180 systolic (first number) and below 100 diastolic (second number) at the time of donation. Medications for high blood pressure do not disqualify you from donating.

How do I know if my blood donation was successful?

Test results are transferred electronically to the processing center within 24 hours. If a test result is positive, your donation will be discarded and you will be notified (our test results are confidential and are only shared with the donor, except as may be required by law).

Can I donate blood if I had a false positive?

Those with a false-positive HTLV or hepatitis B core result are allowed a second opportunity to donate; their blood products from the first donation are discarded nonetheless.Oct 28, 2015

Can you give blood if your platelets are low?

Individuals who do not have problems with bleeding or bruising but know that their platelet count is less than 120 x 109/l should not donate, as they also may have problems following venepuncture.

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...

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?

Who can give blood? 1 In some countries national legislation permits 16–17 year-olds to donate provided that they fulfil the physical and hematological criteria required and that appropriate consent is obtained. 2 In some countries, regular donors over the age of 65 may be accepted at the discretion of the responsible physician. The upper age limit in some countries are 60.

How long can you donate a tattoo?

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.

How long do you have to wait to donate blood?

Donors must wait at least 24 hours for many minor surgeries, including dental work. Donors should rely on our screening process to determine surgery or illness deferrals.

What is a DHQ?

The DHQ is provided to donors when they present to donate at a OneBlood donor center or at a Big Red Bus blood drive. Depending on the answers provided on the DHQ, there may be circumstances that can cause a person to be deferred.

What foods can help with low iron?

Eating many types of red meat, fortified cereal, and leafy green vegetables may help.Find out more about low iron and blood donations here .

Is the FDA allowing blood donors?

Yes. On April 2, 2020 the U.S. Food and Drug (FDA) announced changes to its donor eligibility policy titled: Revised Recommendations for Reducing the Risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission by Blood and Blood Products”.

How to make a blood donation appointment?

Blood donation appointments can be made by applying at redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733 -2767). Blood donors need to be 17 or older and must have a blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification.

How long do you have to wait to donate a tattoo?

If you’ve recently had a tattoo, piercing, semi-permanent make-up –any treatment that pierces the skin -- you will need to wait at least four months before being eligible to donate. The primary reason is to prevent transferring the hepatitis virus.

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.

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Age

  • You are aged between 18 and 65. 1. In some countries national legislation permits 16–17 year-olds to donate provided that they fulfil the physical and hematological criteria required and that appropriate consent is obtained. 2. In some countries, regular donors over the age of 65 may be accepted at the discretion of the responsible physician. The upper age limit in some countries ar…
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Weight

  • You weigh at least 50 kg. 1. In some countries, donors of whole blood donations should weigh at least 45 kg to donate 350 ml ± 10%.
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Health

  • 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. If the body piercing was performed by a registered health professional and any inf...
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Travel

  • Travel to areas where mosquito-borne infections are endemic, e.g. malaria, dengue and Zika virus infections, may result in a temporary deferral. Many countries also implemented the policy to defer blood donors with a history of travel or residence for defined cumulative exposure periods in specified countries or areas, as a measure to reduce the risk of transmitting variant Creutzfeldt-…
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Behaviours

  • You must not give blood: 1. If you engaged in “at risk” sexual activity in the past 12 months 2. Individuals with behaviours below will be deferred permanently: 3. Have ever had a positive test for HIV (AIDS virus) 4. Have ever injected recreational drugs. In the national blood donor selection guidelines, there are more behavior eligibility criteria. Criteria could be different in different coun…
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

  • Following pregnancy, the deferral period should last as many months as the duration of the pregnancy. It is not advisable to donate blood while breast-feeding. Following childbirth, the deferral period is at least 9 months (as for pregnancy) and until 3 months after your baby is significantly weaned (i.e. getting most of his/her nutrition from solids or bottle feeding).
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More Information on Eligibility to Donate

  • National eligibility guidelines must be followed when people donate blood in the blood service in specific countries. To find out whether any health conditions, medications, professions or travel history to could affect your ability to give blood, please search for detailed information in the national/local blood services.
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