Blood donation FAQ

Pick the question you are looking for. Answers are written for donors in the United States.

• Can you donate blood if you take lithium?
• Can you donate blood after a colonoscopy or endoscopy?
• Can you have sex after donating blood?
• How much blood is taken in a blood donation?
• Can you donate blood if you take Viagra or Cialis?
• What should you eat before donating blood?
• Can you donate blood if you are overweight or obese?
• Does drinking alcohol stop you from donating blood?
• What are the blood types?
• Can you donate blood after a CT scan or MRI with contrast?
• Can you drink coffee before donating blood?
• How much does a unit of blood cost?
• Can you donate blood if you take antihistamines?
• Can you drink alcohol before or after donating blood?
• How long does it take to donate blood?
• Can you donate blood if you take topiramate (Topamax)?
• Can you donate blood if you take quetiapine (Seroquel)?
• Can you donate blood after international travel?
• What does a triple or quadruple blood bag mean?
• Can you drink an energy drink before donating blood?
• Can you donate blood after a rabies vaccine?
• Can you donate blood if you are on testosterone therapy?
• How long does it take your body to replace donated blood?
• Can you donate blood if you take blood thinners?
• Can you donate blood if you have ADHD?
• What are the requirements to donate blood in the US?
• Can you donate blood with small or hard to find veins?
• Can you donate blood if you have taken growth hormone?
• Can you donate blood if you take levothyroxine?
• How long does it take to fully recover after donating blood?
• Which blood types are compatible with each other?
• How often can you donate blood?
• How long do you have to wait between blood donations?
• What side effects can happen after donating blood?
• Does donating blood give you time off work?
• How much blood is in the human body?
• Can you donate blood if you did not sleep well?
• Can you donate blood with low blood pressure?
• Can you donate blood while taking antibiotics?
• Can you eat a cheese sandwich before donating blood?
• Can you fly or take a long trip after donating blood?
• Can you donate blood if you take antidepressants?
• How long after surgery can you donate blood?
• Can you donate blood if you take lamotrigine (Lamictal)?
• Can you donate blood with a yeast infection?
• Can you donate blood if you take Mounjaro, Ozempic or Zepbound?
• How do you find out your blood type?
• Can teenagers under 18 donate blood?
• What is the difference between therapeutic phlebotomy and blood donation?
• Can you donate blood if you have migraines?

This information is general and does not replace advice from a health professional. Your eligibility is always decided at the donor screening on the day of donation. Rules change, so confirm with the American Red Cross or the blood center where you plan to donate.