Basic Eligibility Requirements

Most healthy adults can donate blood. The basic requirements are straightforward:

• Age: 16+ (some states require parental consent under 18)

• Weight: At least 110 pounds

• Health: Feeling well on donation day

That covers about 60% of the U.S. population [1]. But the details matter. Let's break down what actually disqualifies you.

What Disqualifies You (Temporarily)

Recent Tattoos or Piercings

Got a tattoo in the last 3 months? You'll need to wait if it wasn't done in a state-regulated shop with sterile, single-use equipment.

Piercings follow similar rules. Ear piercings with single-use equipment are usually fine. Body piercings may require a 3-month wait.

Medications

Most medications don't disqualify you. But some do:

• Blood thinners: Plavix requires a 7-day wait, aspirin doesn't disqualify you

• Accutane (isotretinoin): 1-month wait after your last dose

• Antibiotics: Depends on what you're treating. Active infection disqualifies you; prophylactic antibiotics usually don't

Your donation center will have a full list. When in doubt, ask.

Recent Travel

Traveled recently? Some countries have restrictions:

• Malaria risk areas: 3-month to 3-year wait depending on the region

• Mad cow disease risk: Certain European countries during specific time periods still have restrictions

The rules change as disease risk evolves. Check with your donation center about recent travel.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant? You can't donate. Your body needs that blood.

Recently gave birth? Wait 6 weeks after delivery.

Breastfeeding? Policies vary by center, but many allow it as long as you're eating well and your baby is thriving.

What Disqualifies You (Permanently)

These are less common but important to know:

Blood-Borne Infections

If you've ever tested positive for HIV or hepatitis B or C, you can't donate. This protects the blood supply.

Certain Medical Conditions

Some conditions permanently disqualify you:

• Babesiosis: A parasitic infection that can be transmitted through blood

• Chagas disease: A parasitic disease found primarily in Latin America

• Variant CJD (mad cow disease): Extremely rare, but permanent disqualification

Cancer History

It depends. Some cancers require a waiting period after treatment. Others permanently disqualify you. Blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma are typically permanent disqualifications.

Skin cancer (basal cell or squamous cell) usually doesn't disqualify you once treated.

The Gray Areas

Some situations aren't black and white.

Recent Illness

Cold symptoms? Probably disqualified until you're feeling better.

Fully recovered? You can likely donate.

Active infection of any kind disqualifies you temporarily. Your body needs its resources to fight, not to replenish donated blood.

Alcohol Consumption

Had a drink last night? That's fine.

Showed up drunk? That's not. Don't donate if you're impaired. It's not safe for you or the staff.

Low Iron

This is one of the most common reasons people get turned away at the donation center.

Your hemoglobin needs to be at least 12.5 g/dL (for women) or 13.0 g/dL (for men) to donate [2].

Low iron isn't permanent. Eat iron-rich foods (red meat, spinach, beans) and try again in a few weeks.

Pro tip: If you're a frequent donor, consider getting comprehensive iron testing to track your levels over time. Low ferritin (your body's iron stores) can cause fatigue even when your hemoglobin looks normal.

What About Sexual Activity?

This is where it gets complicated.

The FDA updated its guidelines in 2023 to remove blanket deferral policies based on sexual orientation [3].

Now, all donors answer the same individual risk-based questions about recent sexual activity and HIV risk factors.

What disqualifies you:

• New sexual partner in the last 3 months (if you've had anal sex)

• Multiple sexual partners in the last 3 months (if you've had anal sex)

• Recent HIV exposure or diagnosis

The questions focus on behavior, not identity. The policy aims to protect blood supply while removing discriminatory barriers.

How to Check Before You Go

Don't want to show up and get turned away? Here's what to do:

1. Review the eligibility checklist on your blood center's website

2. Call ahead if you have specific questions about medications or health conditions

3. Check your travel history against current restrictions

4. Eat well and hydrate the day before and day of donation

Most disqualifications are temporary. If you can't donate today, you can probably donate in a few weeks or months.

Why Eligibility Requirements Exist

These rules aren't arbitrary. They protect two groups:

Recipients: The blood supply needs to be safe. One contaminated unit can harm multiple patients.

Donors: Donating when you're sick, anemic, or recovering from surgery isn't safe for you either.

The screening process works. The U.S. blood supply is one of the safest in the world [4].

What Happens at the Screening

When you arrive to donate, you'll go through a health screening:

• Mini-physical: Temperature, blood pressure, pulse, hemoglobin check

• Health history questionnaire: Medications, travel, sexual activity, recent illnesses

• Confidential interview: Anything you're unsure about

Be honest. The staff has heard it all. They're not there to judge. They're there to keep the blood supply safe and make sure donation is safe for you.

Can't Donate? Here's What You Can Do

Not everyone can donate blood. That's okay. You can still help:

• Organize a blood drive at your workplace or community center

• Volunteer at blood donation centers

• Donate money to support blood banking operations

• Spread awareness about the ongoing blood shortage

The U.S. faces frequent blood shortages. Blood centers routinely report critically low supplies [5]. Every person who can safely donate and chooses to matters.

Ready to Donate?

If you meet the eligibility requirements, don't wait. Hospitals need blood every single day for:

• Trauma care after accidents

• Surgery of all kinds

• Cancer treatment (chemotherapy patients often need transfusions)

• Chronic conditions like sickle cell disease

Your donation saves up to 3 lives.

And with Goodlabs, you get something back too.

When you donate through Goodlabs, you receive comprehensive health testing covering 70+ biomarkers—the kind of preventive care that normally costs $500+. Your results arrive in 4-6 business days with clear, AI-guided explanations.

You help your community. You learn about your health. Everyone wins.

Check Your Eligibility & Book Your Donation →

FAQ

Can I donate if I have a cold?
No. Wait until you're fully recovered with no symptoms.

Can I donate if I'm on birth control?
Yes. Birth control doesn't disqualify you.

Can I donate if I have high blood pressure?
Maybe. If your blood pressure is controlled with medication and readings are below 180/100 at screening, you can usually donate.

Can I donate if I'm vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, but watch your iron levels. Plant-based iron is less easily absorbed than animal sources. Consider iron supplementation if you donate regularly.

How often can I donate?
Whole blood: every 56 days. Platelets: every 7 days (up to 24 times per year). Plasma: every 28 days.

What if I get rejected at screening?
Ask why and when you can try again. Most deferrals are temporary. Address the issue (iron, illness, travel wait period) and come back.

About GoodLabs

Goodlabs partners with blood centers to deliver free, preventive health testing at the time of donation. Donors book via Goodlabs, donate blood, and receive private results with AI guidance. The model strengthens local blood supply and expands access to wellness insights. Goodlabs is live in San Francisco and expanding nationwide.

Questions? Email us at partnerships@hellogoodlabs.com

Sources

[1] American Red Cross - Eligibility Requirements
[2] American Red Cross - Iron and Blood Donation
[3] FDA - Individual Risk-Based Questions for Blood Donor Deferrals
[4] FDA - Blood Safety Basics
[5] Athens Science Observer - The U.S. Blood Shortage