Giving Blood - Donor Requirements

Eligibility Calendar

• Whole blood donors can donate approximately every two months (56 days). If you last donated whole blood on or before , you are now eligible to donate.
  
  
• Platelet donors (plateletpheresis) can donate approximately every two weeks (14 days). If you last donated platelets on or before , you are now eligible to donate.
  
  
• Plasma donors (plasmapheresis) can donate approximately every four weeks (28 days). If you last donated plasma on or before , you are now eligible to donate.
  
  
• Double Red Cell (ALYX) donors can donate approximately every four months (112 days). If you last donated double red cells (ALYX) on or before , you are now eligible to donate.
  
  

Donors

Donors are required to show a photo ID or two other forms of ID.  They must be at least 17-years-old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health:

• No active cold or flu-like symptoms on donation day, including a fever, sore throat, or diarrhea. Those on antibiotics for infection must wait 24 hours after they are finished to give blood.
• Donors who received a tattoo or body piercing must wait 12 months to donate.
• Anyone who has had gonorrhea or syphilis (VD) in the last 12 months will be deferred.
• Those at risk for AIDS will be deferred:
  • 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 with hemophilia who has received clotting factor concentrates
• Those who have had recent major surgery or have a history of hepatitis, convulsions, heart disease or lung disease may be deferred.
• Donors who have travelled to certain parts of the world may be deferred due to a potential risk of contracting an infection that may be transmitted through blood transfusion.
• PLATELET DONORS: No aspirin, or products containing aspirin, for at least 72 hours before your appointment. Do not take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications, such as Ibuprofen, for 24 hours before your appointment. Tylenol is acceptable.
  
  

For more specific deferral information, call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8.

Travel Guidelines for Blood Donation

To protect the blood supply and to comply with regulations and safety guidelines, blood banks defer donors who have travelled to certain parts of the world. These rules are in place due to a potential travel-related risk of contracting an infection that may be transmitted through blood transfusion. Read about common travel-related deferrals.  If you have questions or need more information, please call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8.

Recommendations Before and After Donating

• Stay hydrated - drink 8-10 glasses of water a day leading up to your blood donation and avoid highly caffeinated energy drinks.
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Eat a substantial meal within 3 hours before giving blood.
• After giving blood, avoid participating in strenuous physical labor or athletic activities for 24 hours. Resume normal activities the next day.

On Medication?

The FDA has provided a list of restricted medications that are cause for deferral. In addition, anti-infective medications such as antibiotics and anti-virals may be cause for deferral. Most other medications are acceptable. Please discuss your medications with the person scheduling your appointment. When you come to donate, please bring a list of all medications you are currently taking.

If you have high blood pressure, you can donate as long as it is no higher than 180/100 or lower than 90/50. Medications for high blood pressure do not disqualify you from donating.

Diabetics can give blood provided they don’t have complications associated with the disease.

For more information on current eligibility requirements, call 302-737-8400 or 1-800-533-6957. Blood Bank staff will be happy to discuss them with you.

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