Since January was National Blood Donors Month, you probably saw ads and requests for donating blood. The beginning of the year sees record lows, and there’s a strong need for men and women to step up and give. However, blood is needed year-round so it’s important that people donate whenever possible. If you’re considering giving, you’ll need to make sure you are qualified.
So what are the requirements for donating blood? Here’s what you need to know.
Requirements for Donating Blood
There are several requirements you must meet to be eligible to donate blood. Understanding these requirements ahead of time will help you make sure you’re ready for a trip to the clinic. Here are some common requirements for donating blood.
Donation Frequency
Blood can only be donated every 56 days or up to six times a year. This gives your body a chance to produce new blood so that you don’t over-exhaust your supply, causing health problems. Keep track of how often you donate blood so you can get your next appointment on the schedule!
Age Requirement
Most states require an individual to be at least sixteen years of age to donate blood, although parental consent is needed for those under eighteen years of age.
Health Requirements
One of the biggest reasons that an individual becomes ineligible for donation is due to health concerns. To donate blood, you must be feeling well and in good health. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, have low iron, are taking medication, or recently traveled outside of the USA, you may not be able to donate. Other grounds for disqualification may include:
- Having AIDS
- Being HIV positive
- Having a fever
- Showing symptoms of certain illnesses
- History of drug abuse
- Etc.
Contact your local clinic with any concerns you may have about eligibility.
Weight Requirement
To donate blood, you must weigh at least 110 lbs. This is because donors who weigh less than 110 lbs may not be able to tolerate the loss of blood volume required during donation.
How to Donate Blood
Donating blood is simple. One of the best ways to donate is to use the American Red Cross as a resource to find blood drives or donation clinics near you.
Once you’ve located a clinic or blood drive near you, simply contact them to set up an appointment. They will ask you a few questions to determine your eligibility. Simply answer the questions related to your medical history and related conditions. Once you’ve been approved, you can set up an appointment. The appointment will only take around 45 minutes to an hour and will make a great difference in the medical system!
We Can Help!
Work Health Solutions has made it their mission to help provide necessary healthcare for those who need it, especially in the working environment. We understand the difficulty of taking care of employees in the workplace, and if you’re planning to conduct occupational health spirometry testing, contact us today to help get it done efficiently.
