Those Who Can’t Donate Blood | The Medical Conditions That Can Put You On The Ineligible List
Please Donate Blood If You Can | Facts About Those Who Cannot
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I’ve never been allowed to donate blood, but when my Dad was younger, he donated blood regularly because his body always produced blood in excess (Polycythemia Vera). He said it made him feel strange and he knew when it was time to off-load the excess. He said he always felt better afterwards.
Blood Donation: Who Can’t Donate Blood and Why?
Although donating blood is a great way to help save lives, certain medical conditions, infectious diseases, and your recent travel history can all determine whether or not you are permitted to donate blood.
Who Can Donate Blood ?
The basic eligibility requirements for donating blood are:
- You need to be at least 17 years old
- You need to weigh at least 110 pounds
- You must be in general good health
- If you have certain medical conditions, a doctor needs to first approve it
- If you’ve traveled outside of the U.S. or Canada within in the last three months, your donated blood might need to be tested before it could be used. Other countries may have similar blood donation policies in regard to border travel.
Who Can’t Donate Blood ?
The usual conditions that will make you ineligible to donate blood are:
- If you’ve had a miscarriage within the last six months
- If you have HIV
- If you have had certain cancers
- If you have a history of heart disease
- If you have diabetes
- If you have an autoimmune disease
- If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse
In Review
In the U.S., as long as you are healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds and are at least 17 years old, you can donate blood. However, not everyone will be eligible to donate blood due to certain medical conditions, infectious…
