Red Cross Blood Donation Safety Protocols

Share Your Health

As Coronavirus concerns continue, we need healthy blood donors more than ever

Is it safe to give right now?

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows high standards of safety and infection control. We are taking precautions to help ensure the safety of our employees, volunteers and donors.

Safety at blood drives

Red Cross employees implemented added precautions to ensure blood drives and donation centers are safe for donors and staff.

Spacing beds 6 feet apart

Wiping down donor touched areas

Having hand sanitizer available

What if a donor becomes sick after donating?

We provide a call back number donors should call if they become sick with any illness in the days after their donation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I become sick after donating?

Donors should call our Donor Support Center at 1-866-236-3276 if they become sick with any illness in the days after their donation.

What if I have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days?

You must be fully recovered from COVID-19 and symptom-free for a least 10 days before donating blood.

If you have had a positive diagnostic test in the past 10 days for COVID-19 but didn’t have symptoms, you will need to wait 10 days after the COVID-19 test.

If you have a pending COVID-19 diagnostic test for COVID-19, you are not able to donate during this time. Once you have tested negative or been symptom-free for 10 days, you will be eligible to donate blood.

Can I donate after receiving the COVID-19 vaccination?

You may still donate blood, platelets and plasma after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine is important in determining your blood donation eligibility. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and blood donation.

Can I bring guests or children with me to my donation appointment?

At this time, we are allowing additional guests or children to accompany donors to their donation appointment. Guests are expected to follow our safety protocols such as social distancing. The safety of our donors, volunteers, and employees is of the utmost importance. Children who do not require supervision and are not disruptive are welcome to sit in the waiting or refreshment area. If they require supervision another adult must be present.

Am I eligible to donate if I have been quarantined for COVID-19?

If you are quarantined for any reason, you are not eligible to donate during the quarantine time period. If you are past the quarantine time and have been symptom-free for 10 days, you will be eligible to donate blood.

If you're healthy and well, we're urging you to make a donation appointment.

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