Eligibility Criteria for Blood Donation

To ensure the safety of both the donor and recipient, blood donation is subject to certain eligibility criteria. You can donate blood if you meet the following requirements:

Who Can Donate?

  • Age: 18–65 years (some regions allow 17-year-olds with consent).
  • Weight: At least 50 kg (110 lbs).
  • Haemoglobin: Min. 12.5 g/dL (women), 13 g/dL (men).
  • Good general health and no active illness.
  • Donation frequency:
    • Whole blood: Every 3 months (men), 4 months (women).
    • Platelets: Every 7 days, up to 24 times/year.
  • Healthy blood pressure (90/60 to 140/90 mmHg).
  • No major surgeries in last 6 months.
  • 6+ months after childbirth (for women).

Who Cannot Donate?

  • Recent colds, flu, or fever (wait 2 weeks).
  • Chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart or kidney disorders.
  • Bloodborne infections (HIV, Hep B/C, STIs).
  • Recent tattoos or piercings (6–12 months).
  • Medications like antibiotics, blood thinners.
  • Alcohol/drug use in last 24 hours.
  • Recent travel to malaria-endemic areas (wait 3 months).

Do’s (Before & After Donation)

  • Eat a healthy meal beforehand.
  • Stay well-hydrated before and after donation.
  • Get enough rest before donating.
  • Carry an official ID to the donation site.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
  • Rest for 10–15 minutes post-donation.
  • Eat iron-rich foods (spinach, beans, meat).
  • Report any side effects immediately.

Don’ts (Before & After Donation)

  • No smoking/alcohol 24 hrs before & after.
  • Don’t donate on an empty stomach.
  • Avoid intense physical activity post-donation.
  • Don’t leave immediately after donating—rest!
  • Don’t donate if feeling unwell or taking certain meds.
  • Avoid aspirin/blood thinners 48 hrs before platelet donation.

What Happens to Donated Blood?

  1. Collection & Transportation: Blood is labeled, sampled, and sent to labs.
  2. Component Separation: Into RBCs, Platelets, and Plasma.
  3. Screening: Tests for HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Syphilis, Malaria, etc.
  4. Safety Check: Blood is not used unless fully tested and approved.
  5. Storage: Blood is stored in fridges/freezers after labeling.
  6. Safe Transport: Delivered in temperature-controlled units.
  7. Usage: Blood reaches patients within ~10 days.