What are the requirements to donate blood in the US?
Generally you must be at least 17 (16 in some states with consent), weigh at least 110 lbs, be in good health, and pass a health screening. You can donate whole blood every 56 days.
Blood centers in the US follow FDA rules and their own policies. Every donor completes a confidential health screening before each donation.
Basic requirements
- Age: at least 17 in most states. Some states allow 16 with parental consent. There is generally no upper age limit if you are healthy
- Weight: at least 110 lbs. Younger donors may need to meet height and weight rules
- Health: you should feel well and be healthy on the day. Chronic conditions are fine if they are controlled and treated
- Hemoglobin: a finger prick test checks you meet the minimum (12.5 g/dL)
- ID: a photo ID or donor card
How often
- Whole blood: every 56 days (8 weeks)
- Double red cell (Power Red): every 112 days
- Platelets: as often as every 7 days, up to 24 times a year
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Things that can defer you
- Illness with fever or active infection
- Certain medications and medical conditions
- Recent travel to malaria areas
- Some tattoos, piercings and other exposures, depending on where they were done
- Pregnancy and a period after childbirth
If you are unsure, call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS or your local blood center before you go.
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.