Giving Blood - Donor Requirements

Donors:

• Must be 17 years of age or older
  
• Must weigh at least 110 pounds
  
• Must provide a photo ID or two other forms of ID
  
• Must be in general good health:
  • No fever, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
  • No active cold symptoms (congestion, coughing, wheezing)
  • No diarrhea with fever (one month waiting period from last date of symptoms)
  • No recent major surgery
  • No history of hepatitis, convulsions, heart disease, or cancer
  • No tattoos or body piercings in the last 12 months

Click here to request an appointment.

Recommendations:

Eating
All donors should eat a good meal within 3 hours before giving blood.

Medications
Most medicines will not prevent you from giving blood. However, the reason you are taking the medicine may affect whether you qualify as a blood donor. Please discuss this with the person scheduling your appointment. When you come to donate, please bring a list of all medications you are currently taking.

Refrain from Strenuous Physical Activity
After giving blood, avoid participating in strenuous physical labor or athletic activities for the rest of the day. You can resume your normal activities the next day.

Please Note
Persons at risk for AIDS (or those listed below and their sexual partners) are NOT permitted to give blood:

• Anyone infected with the AIDS virus (HIV)
  
• Anyone who has ever used illegal IV drugs (using needles)
  
• Any male who has had sex with another male, even one time, since 1977
  
• Anyone who has had sex in exchange for money or drugs since 1977
  
• Anyone who has had gonorrhea or syphilis (VD) in the last 12 months
  
• Anyone with hemophilia who has received clotting factor concentrates

Questions?

If you have a question about whether you are eligible to donate blood, please call (888) 8-BLOOD-8 or (302) 737-8400.