AIDS epidemic in the United States) are Reviewed by health care specialists @ AMH
currently deferred as blood donors. This is
because MSM are, as a group, at increased
risk for HIV, hepatitis B and certain other
infections that can be transmitted by
transfusion.
8. Tattoos: One-year deferral.
9. Travel: Please refer to Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
10. Weight: You must weigh at least 110
pounds to be eligible for blood donation
for your own safety. Blood volume is in
proportion to body weight. Donors who
weigh less than 110 pounds may not
tolerate the removal of the required
volume of blood as well as those who
weigh more than 110 pounds. There is no
upper weight limit as long as your weight is
not higher than the weight limit of the
donor bed or lounge you are using. You
can discuss any upper weight limitations of
beds and lounges with your local health
historian.
Other criteria that will be assessed at the time of
donation such as (list is not all inclusive):
Hemoglobin, Travel, Cancer, Medications,
Hepatitis, and HIV Risk:
Intravenous drug abusers: HIV, HBV, HCV and
HTLV
Transplant patients: animal tissue or organs
People who have recently traveled to or lived
abroad in certain countries may be excluded
because they are at risk for transmitting agents such
as malaria or variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
(vCJD).
GENERAL BLOOD DONOR GUIDELINES
This information is for educational purposes only
and is not intended to replace the advice of your
doctor or health care provider. We encourage you
to discuss with your doctor any questions or
concerns you may have.
Note
Donor eligibility rules are established by the Food
and Drug Administration as well as state regulatory
agencies.
Contrary to other’s beliefs, there is
nothing in the Bible that prohibits the
practice of donating or receiving
donated blood.
Donating blood is actually a picture of
what Jesus did for us when He shed
His blood so that we might live.
When we give blood, we are offering
a part of our lives to save the life of
someone else. It is one way we obey
the second greatest commandment,
which is to love others as we love
ourselves (Mark 12:31).
Jesus said, “Greater love has no one
than this: to lay down one’s life for
one’s friends” (John 15:13). If we are
called to lay down our lives for others,
we can surely give some of our blood
to help save them.
TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!
RMB, RN, MAN, M.MIN, PHD.
2019
General Blood Donor Guidelines
Why Guidelines Are Important
Donor eligibility rules help to protect the health
and safety of the donor as well as the person who
will receive a blood transfusion. The general
guidelines listed below will help you determine if
you are eligible to donate blood or platelets.
You and Your Donation Are Important to Us
Before donating, one of our medical professionals
will discuss your health history with you in a
private, confidential setting. After taking your
pulse, blood pressure, and temperature and
checking for anemia, we will determine whether
you are eligible to be a donor.
General Guidelines
To donate blood or platelets, you must be in good
general health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be at
least 16 years old. Parental consent is required for
blood donation by 16 year olds; 16 year olds are
NOT eligible to donate platelets. No parental
consent is required for those who are at least 17
years old. If you are 76 or older, you will need
your doctor’s written approval for blood or
platelet donation.
What Is ‘Good’ Health?
Good health means that you feel well and are able
to carry out normal daily activities. If you have a
chronic medical condition such as diabetes or high
blood pressure, you may still be eligible as long as
you are receiving treatment to control your
condition.
Needed Identification: We require that you provide
identification that shows your name and your
photograph or signature.
What Conditions Would Make You Ineligible to Be
a Donor?
You will not be eligible to donate blood or
platelets if you:
 Have tested positive for hepatitis B or
hepatitis C, lived with or had sexual
contact in the past 12 months with anyone
who has hepatitis B or symptomatic
hepatitis C.
 Had a tattoo in the past 12 months or
received a blood transfusion (except with
your own blood) in the past 12 months.
 Have ever had a positive test for the AIDS
virus.
 Are a man who has had sex with another
man in the past 12 months.
 Have ever used intravenous illegal drugs,
even once.
 Have ever used injectable drugs, including
anabolic steroids, unless prescribed by a
physician.
 Have engaged in prostitution.
 Have traveled in the past year, or lived in
the past three years, in an area where
malaria is endemic.
 Blood donors must wait at least 56 days
between blood donations and 7 days
before donating platelets. Platelet donors
may donate once every seven days, not to
exceed six times in any eight-week period,
and must wait 7 days before donating
blood.
Additional Criteria
It is important that you understand the criteria that
permit you to donate blood or platelets. In
addition to the general requirements listed above,
please take the time to review Additional Donor
Requirements.
Basic Eligibility Guidelines
1. Age: You must be at least 17 years old to
donate to the general blood supply. There
is no upper age limit for blood donation as
long as you are well with no restrictions or
limitations to your activities.
2. High Blood Pressure: Acceptable as long as
your blood pressure is below 180 systolic
(first number) and below 100 diastolic
(second number) at the time of donation.
Medications for high blood pressure do not
disqualify you from donating.
3. Body Piercing: You must not donate if you
have had a tongue, nose, belly button or
genital piercing in the past 12 months
(donors with pierced ears are eligible).
4. Cold and Flu: Wait if you have a fever or a
productive cough (bringing up phlegm).
Wait if you do not feel well on the day of
donation. Wait until you have completed
antibiotic treatment for sinus, throat or
lung infection.
5. Diabetes: Acceptable as long as it is well
controlled, whether medication is taken or
not.
6. Diet: A meal is recommended at least four
hours prior to donation. Drink plenty of
fluids.
7. MSM: Men who have had sex with other
men, at any time since 1977 (the beginning
of the