Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
You’ve probably heard that you must be in good health to give blood, but what exactly does that mean? Blood donor eligibility can be tricky to navigate, especially if you have a chronic condition, take medications or have (or previously had) cancer. Lucky for you, this article provides a breakdown of the most common health conditions the American Red Cross is asked about, so you can easily confirm your eligibility and schedule your blood donation appointment.
Most chronic illnesses are acceptable if you feel well, the condition is under control and you meet all other eligibility requirements. For example, people with diabetes can donate if the condition is well controlled and they aren’t currently experiencing any complications. We know that there are many chronic illnesses, so you can always call 1-866-236-3276 to discuss your specific case with an eligibility specialist.
In this case, your eligibility depends on the type of cancer and treatment history. If you had leukemia or lymphoma, including Hodgkin’s Disease and other cancers of the blood, you are not eligible to donate.
Other types of cancer are acceptable if it has been treated successfully, over 12 months have passed since treatment was completed, and there has been no cancer recurrence in this time. Lower risk in-situ cancers including squamous or basal cell cancers of the skin that have been completely removed and healed do not require a 12-month waiting period.
Precancerous conditions of the uterine cervix do not disqualify you from donation if the abnormality has been treated successfully. You can discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation. For more information on how you can donate blood, visit Can Cancer Survivors Donate Blood.
Good news! In almost all cases, medications will not disqualify you as a blood donor. Your eligibility will be based on the reason that the medication was prescribed. As long as the condition is under control and you are healthy, blood donation is usually permitted.
Over-the-counter oral homeopathic medications, herbal remedies and nutritional supplements are acceptable. There are a handful of drugs that are of special significance in blood donation, find a list of medications that affect donation eligibility. If you’re taking any of the drugs listed under “medications,” you will have a waiting period following their last dose before you can donate blood.
In general, you can donate if you have been medically evaluated and treated, haven’t experienced the below listed heart-related symptoms within the last 6 months and have no limitations or restrictions on your normal daily activities.
An episode of angina.
A heart attack.
Bypass surgery or angioplasty
A change in your heart condition that resulted in a change to your medications.
If you have a pacemaker, you can donate as long as your pulse is between 50 and 100 beats per minute and you meet the other heart disease criteria. Discuss your particular situation with your personal health care provider and the health historian at the time of donation.
Yes, donors with diabetes who take insulin are eligible to donate as long as their diabetes is well controlled.
Yes, you can donate with high blood pressure if it is below 180 systolic (first number) and below 100 diastolic (second number) at the time of donation. Likewise, if you have low blood pressure, you can donate if you feel well, and it is at least 90/50 (systolic/diastolic). Medications for high blood pressure do not disqualify you from donating.
For any further eligibility related questions, you can contact the American Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276.
And when you’re ready, you can schedule a donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).