Basic Eligibility Requirements
To ensure a safe and successful donation, prospective donors must meet several fundamental criteria, which can vary slightly depending on the donation center and specific donation type (whole blood, platelets, etc.). The most common requirements include age, weight, and overall wellness.
Age and Weight
- Age: In most states, donors must be at least 17 years old to donate whole blood. In some cases, 16-year-olds may donate with parental consent. There is typically no upper age limit, provided the donor is in good health.
- Weight: All donors must weigh at least 110 pounds to be eligible. Some specific donation types, like Power Red donations, have different weight and height minimums. These limits are in place for the donor's safety to ensure that removing the donation volume is safe for their system.
General Health
On the day of donation, a donor must be feeling well and be in good general health. During the confidential interview, a staff member will check your blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and iron level. Issues such as fever, cough, or a sore throat will result in a temporary deferral.
Medical History and Chronic Conditions
A donor's medical history is a primary determinant of their eligibility. Many conditions and treatments require either a temporary or permanent deferral to protect the blood supply from infectious diseases or other complications.
Permanent Deferrals
- HIV/AIDS: Anyone who has ever tested positive for HIV is permanently ineligible to donate.
- Hepatitis B and C: Individuals who have ever tested positive for hepatitis B or C are permanently deferred from donating.
- Certain Cancers: Most blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, result in a permanent deferral. Other cancers may require a waiting period after successful treatment.
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD): A history of receiving a dura mater (brain covering) graft is a permanent deferral due to the risk of CJD.
Temporary Deferrals
- Recent Illness: Anyone with a cold, flu, or other active infection should wait until they are completely well and symptom-free. In some cases, a specific waiting period may apply.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals are not eligible to donate. The waiting period is typically 6 weeks after childbirth.
- Recent Transfusions: Receiving a blood transfusion from another person results in a 3-month deferral.
- Surgery: Eligibility following surgery depends on the nature of the procedure and the underlying condition. It's best to discuss with the blood center.
Lifestyle and Behavioral Restrictions
Certain recent activities and behaviors can also affect blood donation eligibility, mostly due to the risk of bloodborne infections.
Tattoos and Piercings
- In most states, a new tattoo or piercing from a state-regulated, licensed facility using sterile, single-use needles and ink does not require a waiting period.
- However, if the procedure was performed in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities or if there is any doubt about the sterility, a 3-month deferral is required.
Sexual Activity
In 2023, the FDA updated its guidelines to an individual risk assessment for all potential donors, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. A 3-month deferral applies to anyone who, in the past 3 months, has had anal sex with a new sexual partner or more than one partner. This change helps create more equitable donor eligibility standards.
Other Behaviors
- Intravenous Drug Use: A 3-month deferral applies to individuals who have used needles for non-prescription drugs, steroids, or other substances.
- Incarceration: Being in a lockup, jail, or prison for more than 72 consecutive hours results in a 12-month deferral from the date of release.
Medication-Based Deferrals
Many people mistakenly believe that taking any medication automatically disqualifies them from donating. In fact, most over-the-counter and common prescription medications are acceptable, as long as the donor feels well and the underlying condition is controlled. However, some medications do require a waiting period.
Notable Medication Deferrals
- HIV Prevention Medications (PrEP/PEP): Taking oral PrEP or PEP medications results in a 3-month deferral. Injectable PrEP/PEP requires a 2-year deferral. This is because the medication can delay the detection of HIV in screening tests.
- Blood Thinners: Donors taking blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin are typically not eligible to donate whole blood due to clotting issues. Some newer blood thinners require shorter waiting periods.
- Certain Acne/Psoriasis Medications: Medications such as isotretinoin (e.g., Accutane) or acitretin (Soriatane) require waiting periods after the last dose.
- Antibiotics: Individuals taking oral antibiotics for an active infection must wait until the infection has cleared and they've completed their course. Taking antibiotics for acne or prophylaxis is often acceptable.
Travel-Related Deferrals
Travel to certain regions can expose individuals to infectious diseases, particularly those spread by insects, which can be transmitted through blood. The deferral period depends on the specific destination and the time spent there.
Malaria Risk Areas
- Recent Travel: A 3-month waiting period applies after returning from a malaria-risk area.
- Past Residence: Living in a malaria-risk country for an extended period requires a longer deferral. It is best to consult with the blood center regarding specific travel history.
Permanent vs. Temporary Deferrals
| Condition / Factor | Deferral Type | Primary Reason | Examples/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positive HIV Test | Permanent | High risk of transmission | Irreversible exclusion |
| Hepatitis B or C | Permanent | Irreversible viral infection risk | Past or present infection |
| Certain Cancers (Leukemia) | Permanent | High health risk | Other cancers may be temporary |
| Injectable Drug Use | Temporary (3 months) | Bloodborne infection risk | Non-prescription use |
| Oral HIV Prevention Meds | Temporary (3 months) | Affects test results | Oral PrEP/PEP |
| New Tattoo/Piercing | Temporary (3 months) | Infection risk from non-sterile tools | Varies by state regulation |
| Recent Blood Transfusion | Temporary (3 months) | Possibility of infection transfer | From another person |
| Travel to Malaria Area | Temporary (3 months) | Risk of parasitic infection | Depends on specific location and time |
| Acute Illness (Cold/Flu) | Temporary | Donor wellness | Wait until symptom-free |
| Pregnancy/Childbirth | Temporary (6 weeks postpartum) | Donor health | Includes childbirth |
The Final Word: Donating is a Process
Ultimately, blood donation eligibility is a highly regulated and carefully managed process designed to protect both the blood supply and the generous donors. While a deferral may be disappointing, it is not a judgment but a necessary precaution. The screening process includes a comprehensive health questionnaire and a confidential interview with a trained screener to determine eligibility based on the latest FDA guidance. Don't be discouraged by a temporary deferral; guidelines are regularly updated, and you may be able to donate in the future. For the most detailed and up-to-date information, it is always best to check the specific requirements with your local blood donation center or a national organization such as the American Red Cross Eligibility Criteria.
