Who Can Donate Blood?

In general, you ARE ELIGIBLE to donate blood if you:
(a) are between 17 and 75 years old
(b) weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (50kg)
(c) have not had a tattoo or body piercing within the past 12 months
(d) are not pregnant or nursing
(e) have not had major dental work within the past 3 days
(f) have not traveled to an area with known malaria risk in the past year
(g) have not spent time that adds up to 3 or more months in the United Kingdom between 1980-1996; or spent time that adds up to 5 or more years in Europe from 1980 to the present
(h) have not had hepatitis after the age of 10
(i) have not donated blood for the past 2 months
(j) have not participated in high-risk behaviors
(k) are in good health. If you are taking medication, you may be able to donate depending on the reason for and the type of medication. Persons taking most medications are able to donate blood.
Medications that DO NOT prevent you from donating are:
> High Blood Pressure Medications
> Insulin (by mouth or injection)
> Allergy Medications
> Asthma Medications
> Anti-depressants
> Aspirin
> Cholesterol Lowering Medications
> Seizure Medications
> Diet Pills
(Note: Please reconfirm the above with the medical personnel in attendance during your blood donation)

How do I prepare for the donation?
Eat your regular meals, have a good night sleep and drink lots of water, the water helps to replace the small amount of fluid that you lose when you donate blood. You do not need to fast and should not donate blood on an empty stomach. Bring along your personal identification, a list of any medications you take, and your reading glasses.

Is donating blood safe?
Completely! Sterile, single use and disposable equipment is used for each donation and then safely discarded.

Information compiled from Winter Haven Hospital & Maimonides Medical Centers' URL.