Eligibility Status
Standard whole blood donation
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Evidence-based calculations Used in clinical settings worldwide Regular monitoring recommended
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✅ Healthy Male Donor
Eligible first-time male donor
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✅ Healthy Female Donor
Eligible female donor
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🔴 Low Hemoglobin
Female with borderline hemoglobin
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💪 Power Red Donor
Male qualifying for double red cells
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⏳ Recent Tattoo
Donor with new tattoo deferral
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🌍 Recent Travel
Traveler from malaria-endemic area
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👴 Senior Donor
Elderly donor requiring review
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⚖️ Underweight Donor
Below minimum weight requirement
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Demographics
Donation Information
Vital Signs (Optional)
Health Screening
For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before acting on results.
🏥 Health Facts
— WHO
— CDC
Blood Donation Eligibility Requirements
Blood donation is a vital public service that saves millions of lives each year. Each donation can help up to 3 patients, making your contribution incredibly valuable. This calculator screens for common eligibility criteria based on American Red Cross and FDA guidelines, but final determination is always made at the donation site by trained staff.
whole blood
Standard whole blood donation
- • Min weight: 110 lbs
- • Duration: 8-10 minutes
- • Frequency: Every 56 days
- • Can help up to 3 patients
platelets
Apheresis platelet donation
- • Min weight: 110 lbs
- • Duration: 2-3 hours
- • Frequency: Every 7 days
- • Critical for cancer patients and surgeries
plasma
Plasma donation via apheresis
- • Min weight: 110 lbs
- • Duration: 1-2 hours
- • Frequency: Every 28 days
- • AB type is universal plasma donor
power red
Double red cell donation
- • Min weight: 130 lbs
- • Duration: 30-45 minutes
- • Frequency: Every 112 days
- • Provides 2 units of red cells
Who Can Donate Blood?
✓ Basic Requirements
- ✓ At least 17 years old (16 with parental consent in most states)
- ✓ Weigh at least 110 pounds
- ✓ In general good health
- ✓ Not donated in the past 56 days (whole blood)
- ✓ Adequate hemoglobin level (tested at donation)
- ✓ Normal blood pressure and pulse
✗ Common Deferrals
- ✗ Recent tattoo or piercing (varies by state)
- ✗ Travel to malaria-endemic areas
- ✗ Currently pregnant or recently gave birth
- ✗ Low hemoglobin or iron deficiency
- ✗ Recent surgery or blood transfusion
- ✗ Certain medications or medical conditions
Hemoglobin Requirements by Donation Type
| Donation Type | Male (g/dL) | Female (g/dL) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Blood | ≥13.0 | ≥12.5 | 56 days |
| Platelets | ≥12.5 | ≥12.5 | 7 days |
| Plasma | ≥12.5 | ≥12.5 | 28 days |
| Power Red | ≥13.3 | ≥13.3 | 112 days |
How to Prepare for Blood Donation
🍎 Before Donation
- • Eat a healthy meal 2-3 hours before
- • Drink 16 oz of water
- • Avoid fatty foods
- • Get plenty of sleep
- • Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that roll up
🏥 During Donation
- • Whole blood: 8-10 minutes
- • Platelets: 2-3 hours
- • Plasma: 1-2 hours
- • Power Red: 30-45 minutes
- • Relax and stay still
🩹 After Donation
- • Rest for 10-15 minutes
- • Enjoy refreshments provided
- • Keep bandage on for several hours
- • Avoid heavy lifting for 24 hours
- • Stay hydrated
Blood Type Compatibility
All blood types are needed, but some are especially valuable for specific situations:
Universal Red Cell Donor
Given in emergencies
Universal Plasma Donor
Plasma can go to anyone
Most Common Type
37% of population
Rarest Type
<1% of population
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