Donating blood can be a confusing process – we get it.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW FDA GUIDANCE ISSUED ON MAY 11, 2023 REGARDING DONOR ELIGIBILITY, PLEASE READ OUR BLOG POST HERE.
Some health conditions, medications, and travel locations may temporarily or permanently prevent people from donating blood. Eligible donors are in good health, at least 17 years old, and weigh at least 115 pounds (for whole blood donations) or 110 pounds (for platelet donations).
One thing we ask is that you do not defer yourself. If you have questions on any of our eligibility regulations, you may call 512-206-1108 or email whocandonate@weareblood.org at any time. We would love to help you figure it out!
Below are our most common eligibility questions.
Medical Conditions
Can I donate if:
I have Leukemia, Lymphoma or another hematological malignancy?
I have Basal Cell Carcinoma?
You have been diagnosed with, suspected of having COVID-19 or Have cared for, lived with, or otherwise had close contact with individuals diagnosed or suspected of having COVID-19 symptoms.
- At least 10 days after complete resolution of COVID-19 symptoms OR
- At least 10 days after a positive test, if no symptoms occurred
I have Squamous Cell of the Skin?
I have cancer?
I have Chagas’ disease and babeiosis?
I have cold or flu symptoms?
I have diabetes?
I have had a heart attack?
I have a low Hemoglobin/Hematocrit level?
I have had hepatitis exposure or hepatitis B immune globulin shot?
I am pregnant?
I have syphilis or gonorrhea?
I had West Nile Virus, but am no longer symptomatic?
I have exposure risk factors to AIDS/HIV?
I tested positive for HLA antibodies after my pregnancy?
I have AIDS/HIV?
Regrettably, you cannot donate.
.Medical Procedures
Can I donate if:
I received a blood transfusion, skin graft or tissue transplant?
I received a cornea transplant?
I received a dura mater (brain covering) graft?
I had heart surgery due to heart attack?
I received human growth hormone prior to 1985?
I have a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator?
I had a colonoscopy?
Medications
Can I donate if:
I am on Accutane (Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret, Isotretinoin, Absorica, Myorisan, Zenatane)?
I am on an experimental medication?
I am on Jalyn?
I am on Acitretin (Soriatane)?
I am on antibiotics for an infection?
I am on Aspirin, Feldene, Piroxicam or any aspirin-containing product?
I have on Avodart (Dutasteride)?
I am on beef insulin?
I am on Coumadin, Wafilone, Jantoven (Warfarin)?
I am on Pradaxa (dabigatran), Xarelto (rivaroxaban), Eliquis (apixaban), Lovenox (enoxaparin), Fragmin (dalteparin), heparin or derivatives?
I am on Plavix (clopidogrel), Ticlid (ticlopidine)?
I am on Proscar (Finasteride) or Propecia?
I am on Effient (prasugrel)
You may donate 3 days after completion
I am on Brilinta (ticagrelor)
Travel Questions
Can I donate if I’ve traveled to:
Iraq?
A malaria area?
I moved to the U.S. from a malaria area?
I spent a cumulative of 3 months or more in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Gibraltar, and Falkland Islands) from 01/01/1980 to 12/31/1996?
I received a transfusion of blood, platelets, plasma, cryoprecipitate, or granulocytes in the United Kingdom, Ireland or France since 01/01/1980?
I was a member of the U.S. Military, a civilian military employee, or a dependent of a member of the US Military from 01/01/1980 to 12/31/1996 and spent a cumulative of 6 months or more associated with a military base in any of the following countries: Belgium, The Netherlands, or Germany (from 01/01/1980 to 12/31/1990); or Spain, Portugal,Turkey, Italy, or Greece (From 01/01/1980 to 12/31/1996).
I spent a cumulative time of 5 years or more in Europe between 1980 through present?
I spent a cumulative time of 5 years or more in France or Ireland between 1980 and 2001.
Vaccinations
Can I donate if:
I just received a flu shot?
I just received the smallpox vaccination?
I just received the Hepatitis B vaccination?
I received an unlicensed vaccine?
I received any other vaccination?
Can I Donate Blood or Platelets After Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Yes, if you have received either the FDA authorized or approved Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines and you meet all blood donor eligibility criteria to be a blood and/or platelet donor. There is no deferral period for these vaccines.