Each year, millions of Americans take time out to give the gift of life. Because the American Red Cross knows how valuable that time is, we want you to understand the basic blood donor eligibility guidelines.

These guidelines occasionally change with advances in medical science and testing. If you have specific questions about your eligibility to donate blood, please contact our Donor Care and Response Center at CanIDonate@usa.redcross.org or call 1.800.737.0902

Common donor health questions
Specific eligibility guidelines

General Guidelines

To give whole blood, platelets or plasma you must:

• weigh at least 110 lbs.
• be in good health
  • 'In good health' means that you feel well and can perform normal activities. If you have an on-going health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure and the condition is under control after treatment, you are considered healthy. Other aspects of your health history are discussed prior to each blood donation to help ensure that your are eligible to donate.
• meet the minimum age requirement
  • Age requirements vary from state to state. Donors are encouraged to call 1.800.737.0902 or email our Donor Care center for specific information and to obtain an American Red Cross parental consent form.
  • Parental consent forms, are also available from your blood drive coordinator or a Red Cross representative.
    

You may donate:

• whole blood every 56 days
• platelets up to 24 times per year. We recommend you donate once every two to four weeks
• plasma every 28 days, up to 13 times in a 12-month period
• double red cells every 112 days, up to 3 times in a 12-month period

If you are male, you may give double red cells if you:

• are at least 5'1"
• weigh at least 150 lbs.
• have an iron count of at least 40 percent

If you are female, you may give double red cells if you:

• are at least 5'5"
• weigh at least 175 lbs.
• have an iron count of at least 40 percent

Our donor health representatives can answer any questions you may have about medications or health conditions that might affect your ability to donate blood. Please contact our Donor Care and Response Center at CanIDonate@usa.redcross.org or call 1.800.737.0902