It's Not the Blood Type, It's the Health History
Many people incorrectly believe that certain blood types, perhaps the rarer ones, are not useful for donation. In reality, all blood types are crucial for maintaining a stable blood supply. The confusion often stems from eligibility requirements that exclude specific individuals based on medical conditions, recent travel, and other lifestyle factors, not the inherent properties of their blood type itself. Blood donation centers rigorously screen all potential donors to protect the health of recipients and ensure the blood supply is safe and potent. The process includes a detailed health questionnaire, a mini-physical, and laboratory testing of the donated blood for infectious diseases.
Permanent Deferrals: When Donation is Never Possible
Some conditions pose a lifelong risk and result in a permanent deferral, meaning an individual cannot donate blood at any point in their life. These include:
- Positive Test for HIV: Anyone who has ever tested positive for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is permanently deferred from donating blood.
- Viral Hepatitis B or C: A history of viral hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection at any point in life results in permanent ineligibility.
- Certain Cancers: A history of specific blood cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma, permanently disqualifies a donor, even after a remission period.
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD): Individuals who have received a dura mater (brain covering) transplant or cadaveric pituitary human growth hormone are permanently deferred due to the risk of transmitting CJD.
- Chagas Disease: A confirmed case of Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, results in permanent deferral.
- Drug Use: A history of using non-prescription injection drugs permanently disqualifies a donor.
Temporary Deferrals: Waiting Periods for Donation
Many conditions only require a temporary waiting period before a person can donate again. These are put in place to ensure the donor is healthy and to prevent the transmission of temporary infections or risks.
- Recent Tattoo or Piercing: Waiting periods of three months are common after getting a tattoo or body piercing, especially if done in an unregulated facility. Regulations vary by state and location.
- Recent Blood Transfusion: A deferral of three months is necessary after receiving a blood transfusion from another person.
- Pregnancy and Childbirth: Women must wait six weeks after giving birth before they can donate blood.
- Travel to High-Risk Areas: Visiting areas with high rates of malaria, Zika virus, or other infectious diseases often requires a waiting period before donating.
- Medications: Certain medications, like some oral and injectable HIV prevention drugs (PrEP/PEP), require a deferral period. Donating is not allowed while on blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin).
- Illness: Donors must wait until they feel well and have been symptom-free for a certain period, especially for illnesses involving fever or active infection.
Medications that Impact Your Ability to Donate
Most common medications do not prevent you from donating blood. However, a select group does due to potential risks to the recipient or the medication's effect on blood components. These include:
- HIV Prevention Medications: Individuals taking oral PrEP/PEP must wait three months from their last dose. For injectable PrEP/PEP, the waiting period is two years.
- Blood Thinners: Medications like warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, and others prevent your blood from clotting normally. Donating is unsafe while on these and for a period after stopping.
- Specific Acne and Psoriasis Medications: Some older, more potent medications like isotretinoin (Accutane) require a waiting period after the last dose.
A Comparison of Blood Types and Donation Suitability
While all blood types are eligible for donation, their suitability for certain types of donations (whole blood, plasma, platelets) differs. The following table illustrates their properties and typical donation recommendations.
| Blood Type | Red Cell Recipients | Plasma Recipients | Preferred Donation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-Negative (O-) | All blood types | Only O- and O+ | Whole blood, Double Red Cells | The universal red cell donor, highest demand for emergencies. |
| O-Positive (O+) | All positive types | Only O- and O+ | Whole blood, Double Red Cells | The most common blood type, high demand. |
| A-Negative (A-) | A-, AB-, A+, AB+ | A-, A+, O-, O+ | Whole blood, Double Red Cells, Platelets | An important type for matching negative patients. |
| A-Positive (A+) | A+, AB+ | A-, A+, O-, O+ | Whole blood, Platelets | Very common blood type. |
| B-Negative (B-) | B-, B+, AB-, AB+ | B-, B+, O-, O+ | Whole blood, Platelets | A rarer type. |
| B-Positive (B+) | B+, AB+ | B-, B+, O-, O+ | Whole blood, Platelets | Can donate to all B and AB types. |
| AB-Negative (AB-) | AB-, AB+ | All blood types | Platelets, Plasma | Universal plasma donor, rarest blood type. |
| AB-Positive (AB+) | AB+ | All blood types | Plasma | Universal plasma donor, common recipient. |
Conclusion: Your Role in the Blood Donation Community
Understanding which type of blood cannot be donated is less about the blood type itself and more about ensuring donor safety and the integrity of the blood supply. If you are ever deferred from donating, remember that your health is the priority. Eligibility is determined by a strict set of regulations designed to protect everyone involved in the transfusion process. If a medical condition, travel, or medication temporarily or permanently disqualifies you, there are other ways to support the cause, such as volunteering at blood drives or making financial donations. Your contribution is valuable whether it's through blood or other forms of support. For detailed and up-to-date eligibility requirements, always consult with a professional at a licensed blood donation center, such as the American Red Cross.
