What are the requirements for donating blood?

women holding stuffed hearts

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.

Work Health Solutions

Work Health Solutions

About Us

Work Health Solutions is dedicated to preserving a safe work environment and improving existing programs and care for local, regional and national organizations.

Share This Post

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Recent Posts

Speak with an Occupational Health Specialist

If you have questions about Work Health Solution's occupational health services or if you need to purchase bulk medical supplies, such as COVID-19 testing kits, please contact us.

Get in Touch

Dr. Glen Cheng

A physician-attorney with a dedication to healthcare innovation, informatics, and digital health.

  • Currently spearheads employee health protection and promotion within the VA Pittsburgh Health Care System.
  • Trained in residency at Harvard, achieving board certification as a physician; also a licensed patent attorney with experience as FDA regulatory counsel.
  • Co-founded Acceleromics, a consulting firm providing clinical and regulatory guidance to digital health startups.

Erin Davis

 Chief Clinical Officer at Work Health Solutions, certified in Adult-Gerontology (AGNP-C) and Athletic Training (ATC).

  • Oversees clinical operations and ensures high clinical standards across the company’s national field staff.
  • Former Manager of Clinic Operations and Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner at Stanford University Occupational Health Center (SUOHC).
  • Specialized in treating occupational injuries and illnesses, and provided medical surveillance and travel medicine consults at Stanford and SLAC National Accelerator Lab.
  • Dedicated to sports and occupational injury treatment and prevention.
  • Assistant Clinical Faculty at UCSF, mentoring students in clinical rotations within the Adult Gerontology and Occupational and Environmental Health Program.
  • Holds leadership roles as Treasurer and President Elect of the California El Camino Real Association of Occupational Health Nurses (CECRAOHN), affiliated with the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN).

Dr. Robert Goldsmith

Founder and President of NBS Healthcare Group, with a focus on innovation in healthcare consulting.

  • Previous role as Executive Director for Employee Health at Novartis Services, Inc., leading health services and clinical support.
  • Instrumental in creating an integrated healthcare system at Novartis.
  • Former private practice in internal medicine in Stamford, Connecticut, and Medical Director consultant for GTE Corporation.
  • Transitioned to GE as a Global Medical Director in 2000.
  • Holds a medical degree from Albert Einstein College, an MPH from the University of Connecticut, and completed training at Greenwich Hospital and Yale-New Haven Medical Center.
  • Assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the Vagelos School of Medicine, Columbia University.
  • Serves as a team physician for high school athletes in Stamford.
  • Published works on occupational health risks, primary prevention, and exercise-induced asthma.