Blood Donor Eligibility  
Most People Can Be Blood Donors…  



 
   
...but, only 5% of the eligible population actually donates! Let's work together to change that! You can give blood if you are 17 years of age or, in the state of Maryland (also VA and NC as of September 1, 2008), 16 years of age with parental consent and weigh 110 pounds or more, are in general good health, have NOT received a tattoo within the past year, and have NOT donated in the last 56 days. There are some misperceptions about who can and cannot donate.

Here are some of our guidelines:		  

You Can Donate If You: You Cannot Donate Blood If You Have:
Have high blood pressure, as long as it is below 180/100 at the time of donation (blood pressure medications do not disqualify you from donating).   Had hepatitis (a liver infection) on or after age 11.
Have diabetes (controlled by diet or medication).   AIDS or have tested positive for HIV (the AIDS virus).
Have completely recovered from surgery.   Taken clotting factor concentrates for a bleeding disorder.
Have had a baby six weeks prior to donation.   Taken illegal drugs-even once-by needle.
Receive shots for allergies.  
Or, if on the day of the blood drive, you
Have finished taking antibiotics two days prior to donation.   Have a sore throat, fever, flu, or productive cough.

Tips for a Safe And
Successful Donation

Drink extra water and non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic fluids before you donate to prevent low blood pressure and to help replenish your volume of blood.

Eat plenty of iron-rich foods such as red meat, fish, poultry, broccoli, beans, raisins, and prunes between donations.

Before you donate, eat a small meal or snack and avoid fatty foods.

After your donation:

Drink an extra four glasses (8 ounces each) of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic liquids.

Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
Enjoy how good it feels to help save a life!

The whole process from registration to "thanks and goodbye" takes about an hour.
Become an ambassador for blood donation, and tell your family, friends and colleagues how easy it is-and how good it feels to help save a life! Please make your appointment today!

Please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE today!

To find a blood drive in your area, click here.


Are pregnant.
Or, if in the last 12 months, you have
Had a tattoo.
Been treated for syphilis or gonorrhea.
Been in close contact with someone who had viral hepatitis.
Had sex with a prostitute.
As a woman, had sex with a man who has had sex with another man, even once.
Had sex with someone who has taken illegal drugs by needle, taken clotting factor concentrates, or has tested positive for AIDS.
 
To discuss the full list of eligibility criteria,
please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.