Check Your Eligibility
Fill out this form to check if you're eligible to donate blood:
Based on your responses, you appear to be eligible to donate blood. However, final eligibility will be determined during your pre-donation screening at the donation center.
Based on your responses, you may not be eligible to donate blood at this time.
If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact your nearest blood donation center for more information.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
- Age: You must be at least 16 years old (with parental consent in some states) or 17 years old.
- Weight: You must weigh at least 110 pounds.
- Health: You should be in good health and feeling well on the day of donation.
- Time Between Donations: You must wait at least 56 days (8 weeks) between whole blood donations.
Medical Conditions & Eligibility
Most medications do not disqualify you from donating blood. However, some medications may require a waiting period after your last dose. Common examples include:
- Blood Thinners: Typically require a waiting period
- Accutane (isotretinoin): 1 month deferral
- Avodart, Proscar: 6 month deferral
- Antibiotics: Must be finished with treatment and symptom-free
Always inform the donation staff about all medications you are taking.
People with diabetes can usually donate blood if:
- Your diabetes is well-controlled
- You have no complications from diabetes
- You are not currently experiencing hypoglycemia
Insulin use does not disqualify you from donating.
You can donate blood if:
- Your blood pressure is below 180/100 at the time of donation
- You feel well
- Your medications for high blood pressure don't disqualify you
Your hemoglobin levels must be adequate to donate:
- For women: at least 12.5 g/dL
- For men: at least 13.0 g/dL
A quick test will be performed before donation to check your hemoglobin levels.
Surgery: The deferral period depends on the type of surgery:
- Minor surgery: When fully healed and no longer taking antibiotics
- Major surgery: Usually 6 months to 1 year
Vaccinations: Most vaccinations don't affect eligibility, but some have waiting periods:
- Flu shot: No waiting period
- COVID-19 vaccines: No waiting period for most
- Live attenuated vaccines: Usually 2-4 weeks