Who can Donate Blood?

Before scheduling an appointment, please review these general guidelines:

• Donors must be 17 years old (16 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health. Donors must be free from infections, the flu, fever, or sore throat.  Colds and runny noses (clear discharge) are acceptable. 
• Donors must not have donated whole blood within the past eight weeks.
• Individuals whom had their ears pierced in a salon, boutique or by a physician are eligible to donate.
• Individuals whom had received tattoos or body piercing in a licensed tattoo or piercing facility located in Wisconsin or Iowa are eligible to donate.
• Individuals whom had received tattoos or body piercing by a licensed facility outside of Wisconsin or Iowa must wait 12 months before donating blood.
• Individuals whom had received tattoos or body piercing from a non-licensed person or business must wait 12 months before donating blood.
• Individuals whom had received a blood transfusion must wait 12 months before donating blood.
• Individuals whom had a MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shot must wait four weeks before donating blood.
• Persons with a heart condition or who have had cancer should be evaluated by blood center staff prior to scheduling a donation appointment.
• Persons whom had hepatitis after age 11 should be evaluated by blood center staff prior to scheduling a donation appointment.
• Any person who has participated in any high-risk activity for HIV/AIDS may not donate blood.
• Persons with diabetes may donate blood if the diabetes is controlled.
• Women whom are confirmed to be pregnant or suspect they are pregnant may not donate blood.  After pregnancy there is a 6-week waiting period.
• Donors with allergies need to wait until the symptoms are minimal or under control.
• Travelers returning from a country where malaria infection is possible must wait one year before donating blood.  If person has had malaria, there is a 3-year deferral period from the last outbreak.
• On the day of donation, all donors should bring a photo ID.  Donors should eat well and drink fluids before their donation appointment.

If you have a question regarding your eligibility to donate blood and would like to discuss it with someone, please contact us toll free at (800) 280-4102, or in Appleton, Wisconsin at (920) 738-3131.