Eligibility Requirements

Find out if you can donate blood

Important: Eligibility requirements can be complex. When in doubt, contact the Red Cross or speak with staff at your donation appointment. You can always call 1-800-RED-CROSS to speak to a Red Cross employee or volunteer who can answer your questions best.

Basic Requirements

To donate blood with the Red Cross, you must meet the following criteria:

Age

  • 16 year olds with parent consent form (Download here or pickup outside Mrs. Beck’s room A-12)
  • 17 and up with no parental consent needed.

Weight

  • See Blood Donation requirements below for male and female donors
  • Male Donors: For men 4'10" in height, you must weigh >118lbs. For men 4'11" in height, you must way >114lbs. For men 5'0" and taller, you must weigh >110lbs.
  • Female Donors: For women, the following heights require the following weights or heavier: 4'10", 146lbs; 4'11", 142lbs; 5'0", 138lbs; 5'1", 133lbs; 5'2", 129lbs; 5'3", 124lbs; 5'4", 120lbs; 5'5", 115lbs; >5'5", 110lbs

Health

  • Be in good general health
  • Feeling well on the day of donation
  • Not have a cold, flu, or other infection

Common Questions

Can I donate if…

I have a tattoo or piercing?

  • If it was done by a tatoo artist in Georgia or any unregulated state within the last three months: NO!
    • Wait three months for any tatoos you get in states with unregulated tatoo artists.
  • If it was done in a regulated state (any NOT listed below), you can donate immediately after getting you tatto.
  • States WITHOUT neccessary tatoo regulations are as follows: District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wyoming.
  • This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis.
  • A tattoo is acceptable within the first three months ONLY if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and single-use ink. Cosmetic tattoos (including microblading of eyebrows only) applied in a licensed establishment in a regulated state using sterile needles and single-use ink are acceptable. Discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.

I’m taking medication?

  • Most medications are acceptable
  • Some medications may require a waiting period
  • Bring a list of your medications to your appointment

I’ve traveled recently?

  • Depends on where you traveled
  • Some countries require a waiting period
  • Check with Red Cross staff about your specific travel

I have low iron?

  • Your hemoglobin level will be tested at donation
  • You need a minimum level to donate safely
  • Eating iron-rich foods can help

I’ve had COVID-19?

  • Generally can donate after symptoms resolve
  • No waiting period for vaccination
  • Convalescent plasma may be an option

Temporary Deferrals

You may need to wait before donating if you:

  • Recently donated blood (56 days for whole blood)
  • Have a cold, flu, or infection
  • Are pregnant or recently gave birth
  • Recently had surgery or dental work
  • Recently got a tattoo or piercing at unregulated facility
  • Recently traveled to certain countries

Permanent Deferrals

Some conditions may prevent you from donating blood permanently. These include certain:

  • Heart conditions
  • Blood disorders
  • Cancer (some types)
  • Infectious diseases

Ready to Donate?

If you meet the eligibility requirements, check our Donor Information page to learn what to expect during your donation.

For the most up-to-date and detailed eligibility requirements, visit RedCrossBlood.org