| |
 For all of the wonders that modern medicine has achieved, no one has found a substitute for human blood! Almost everyone over the age of 17 can donate. There are few restrictions. Nationwide, only 5% of the population actually donates, here in Georgia only about 3% of the population within the state donates. If everyone who was eligible to donate did so just 2 to 4 times a year, we would be able to maintain the supply needed and would avoid blood shortages.
General Eligibility Requirements
- Be between the ages of 17 and 69. Whole Blood donors who are in good health and meet all donor requirements are welcome to donate over the age of 69. Platelet donors over the age of 69 will need physician consent to be considered for Platelet donations.
- Weigh a minimum of 110 pounds
- Be in good general health
- No cold/flu symptoms or any infections 3 days prior to donating
- No antibiotics 24 hours before donating
- Platelet donors may not take Aspirin for 48 hours and Feldene 48 hours prior to the donation
- Do not participate in those activities considered to be at high risk for infectious disease exposure. Please reference the FDA’s website for those activities classified as high risk: http://www.fda.gov/cber/faq/msmdonor.htm
Medical Conditions Medications Travel (outside of the US or Canada)
Medical ConditionsHere is a list of the most common Medical Conditions. If you do not see your condition listed here please call ABS at (404) 459-8744.
Medical Condition |
Specific Condition |
Acceptable for Donation? |
Acid Reflux |
|
Yes |
Allergies |
|
Yes, as long as you do not have any active sinus or respiratory infections |
Bleeding Disorders |
|
Please contact ABS |
Breastfeeding |
|
Yes, if you are not or have not been pregnant in the past 6 weeks. |
Cancer |
Localized Skin Cancer (Basal Cell or Squamous Cell Carcinoma) |
Yes, acceptable after thirty days if completely excised and healed |
|
Melanoma, Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin’s Disease |
No, unfortunately you will not be able to donate |
|
All other Cancers |
Must be in remission for 5 years |
Colds |
|
Must be symptom free for at least 3 days prior to donating |
Diabetes |
Type 1 |
No, unfortunately you will not be able to donate |
|
Type 2 |
Yes, as long as it is controlled and blood sugar levels are acceptable at time of donation |
Dental Work/Surgery |
Minor Cleanings or Fillings |
Yes |
|
Root Canal, Oral Surgery, or Tooth Extractions |
Must wait 3 days before donating |
Flu |
|
Must be symptom free for at least 3 days prior to donating |
Heart Conditions |
Angioplasty/ Stents |
Please contact ABS |
|
Arrhythmias |
Please contact ABS |
|
Heart Surgery, including By Pass Surgery |
No, unfortunately you will not be able to donate |
|
Other Heart Conditions |
Please contact ABS |
High Blood Pressure |
|
Yes, if controlled |
High Cholesterol |
|
Yes, if controlled |
Jaundice |
|
Please see Viral Hepatitis |
Liver Issues |
|
Please contact ABS |
Lung Issues |
|
Please contact ABS |
Pregnancy |
|
No, you may not be pregnant or have been pregnant in the past 6 weeks |
Seizures |
|
Yes, if well controlled and seizure free for at least one month |
Stroke |
|
No, unfortunately you will not be able to donate |
Surgical Procedures |
|
Yes, as long as you have been released from your physician’s care, you feel well and full activity has been resumed |
Tattoo |
|
No, you may not donate for 12 months after the tattoo was applied |
Viral Hepatitis |
|
If diagnosed after the age of 11 years, you are not eligible to donate |
Medication and Vaccine ListIf you are on a medication that is associated with a deferral period do not go off any medication prescribed to you by your physician without first talking with your doctor.
Medications or Vaccines |
Comments |
Accutane© (Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret, isotretinoin) |
Following the last dose, you must be off the medication for 1 month prior to donating |
Advil |
Acceptable for Whole Blood and Platelet donations. |
Allergy Medication |
Acceptable, except when containing Aspirin or Ibuprofen (please see eligibility requirements for these medications). Allergy shots are acceptable 6 hours following administration provided you feel well and healthy |
Aleve |
Acceptable for Whole Blood and Platelet donations. |
Antidepressants |
Acceptable |
Aspirin |
Acceptable for Whole Blood donations. Do not take 48 hours prior to Platelet donations. |
Asthma Medications |
Acceptable, if controlled |
Avodart© (Dutasteride) |
Following the last dose, you must be off the medication for 6 months prior to donating |
Blood Pressure Medications |
Acceptable, if controlled |
Cold Medications |
Acceptable, except when containing Aspirin or Ibuprofen (please see eligibility requirements for these medications). Donor must be symptom free for at least 3 days prior to their appointment |
Contraceptives |
Acceptable |
Diabetic Medication |
Acceptable, if controlled |
Diuretic |
Acceptable |
Female Hormone Replacement Medications |
Acceptable |
Flu Shot |
Acceptable, if symptom free |
Growth Hormone from Human Pituitary Glands |
If given prior to 1985, you will not be able to donate. If given after 1985 please contact ABS |
Hepatitis B Immune Globulin |
This is different from the Hepatitis B vaccine which is a series of 3 injections. Donors who have received HBIG must wait 12 months to donate blood |
Ibuprofen |
Acceptable now for both Whole Blood and Platelet donations. |
Insulin from Cows (Bovine or Beef Insulin) |
Unfortunately, you will not be able to donate |
Motrin |
Acceptable for Whole Blood and Platelet donations. |
Propecia© (finasteride) |
Following the last dose, you must be off the medication for 1 month prior to donating |
Proscar© (finasteride) |
Following the last dose, you must be off the medication for 1 month prior to donating |
Sleep Medications |
Acceptable, except when containing Aspirin or Ibuprofen (please see eligibility requirements for these medications) |
Soriatane© (acitretin) |
Following the last dose, you must be off the medication for 3 years prior to donating |
Stomach Acid Reducers |
Acceptable, except when containing Aspirin or Ibuprofen (please see eligibility requirements for these medications) |
Statins |
Acceptable, except when containing Aspirin or Ibuprofen (please see eligibility requirements for these medications) |
Tegison© (etretinate) |
Unfortunately, you will not be able to donate |
Thyroid Replacement Medication |
Acceptable |
Tylenol |
Acceptable |
Vitamins |
Acceptable |
TravelWhen you call to make an appointment please mention any travel that you have done outside the US or Canada in the past 12 months, we will be checking to see if your travel will defer you from donating (in case you traveled to an area that is known to be malaria risk). When you come in for your donation, ABS will document any travel that has occurred outside the US or Canada in the past 3 years, it would be most helpful if you could bring in the dates and specific locations of these trips.
|
