Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
Every year on June 14, World Blood Donor Day honors the individuals who selflessly donate blood and raises awareness about the constant need for safe blood supplies. Donating blood isn't just about giving a pint—it’s about saving lives and supporting a critical component of healthcare. But who can donate, and what should you expect if you do? Let’s break it down.
Can I Donate Blood? Blood Donor Eligibility Basics
Thinking about donating blood? Great! Many people are eligible, and the process is simple. To ensure the safety of both donor and recipient, you generally need to meet the following criteria:
- Be in good health and feeling well.
- Be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent).
- Weigh at least 110 pounds.
- Have not donated blood in the last 56 days. Some common conditions—such as asthma, diabetes, or stable heart disease—don’t necessarily disqualify you. In fact, you may still be eligible if your condition is well-managed and hasn’t changed recently.
However, some additional factors may affect your eligibility, including:
- Tattoos or piercings within the last 3 months, unless done in a licensed facility using sterile equipment.
- Recent travel to regions with high risk of infections like malaria or Zika virus, which may require a waiting period.
- Pregnancy or recent childbirth, as those currently pregnant or newly postpartum are generally asked to wait.
- Recent illnesses such as colds, flu, or COVID-19, which may lead to a temporary deferral.
- Recent vaccinations, which can affect eligibility depending on the vaccine type and timing.
If you’re unsure, most blood donation centers offer online eligibility tools or pre-screening services to help determine whether you can donate.
What Medications Might Disqualify You?
While many over-the-counter and prescription medications are perfectly safe for blood donation, a few specific drugs can lead to temporary or permanent deferral. These medications may affect the blood supply's safety or the recipient's health.
Here are some examples:
- Blood thinners– These medications reduce your blood’s ability to clot, which can pose a risk during donation. Examples: warfarin (Jantoven), heparin, clopidogrel (Plavix), rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
- HIV prevention medications – Used for pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis, these drugs may delay or prevent the detection of the HIV virus in screening. Examples: emtricitabine/tenofovir (Truvada, Descovy), raltegravir (Isentress)
- Acne or psoriasis medications – Some of these drugs can cause birth defects and require a waiting period due to their teratogenic effects. Examples: isotretinoin (Accutane), acitretin (Soriatane)
- Prostate and hair loss medications – These may also affect fetal development and typically require a deferral period. Examples: finasteride (Propecia, Proscar), dutasteride (Avodart) Always provide a full list of your medications to the blood donation staff. They’ll let you know if they require a waiting period or disqualify you from donating temporarily or permanently.
How to Prepare for Your Donation
Set yourself up for a smooth donation by following these steps:
- Get a full night of sleep beforehand.
- Eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids.
- Take your regular medications as prescribed (unless told otherwise by your doctor).
- Bring a government-issued photo ID.
- Review recent travel requirements, as some areas carry temporary restrictions.
What to Expect During and After Donation
Here’s a quick look at the process:
- Pre-screening: Your temperature, blood pressure, and hemoglobin will be checked.
- The donation itself: A needle will be inserted into your arm to collect about one pint of blood, typically in 8–10 minutes.
- Post-donation care: You’ll rest for 10–15 minutes with snacks and drinks to help your body recover.
Can Blood Donation Save Lives?
Absolutely. Each donation can help save up to three lives. Donated blood is used in a wide range of situations, such as:
- Emergency surgeries and trauma care
- Cancer treatments
- Complications during childbirth
- Anemia and blood disorders Because blood components are perishable, there’s a continual need for donors year-round—not just during emergencies
Taking Care of Your Health After Donating
Donating blood is a generous act, but managing your own health is equally important. If you're managing chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, the RxLess™ Assurance Plan can help you save on the medications you need.
With the free RxLess™ app, you can compare prices across local pharmacies and access prescription discounts—no insurance required. It's one more way to care for your health while continuing to help others.
