Donation Eligibility

Blood Donation Guidelines

In order to be able to donate, you must:

  • Be 17 years old (or 16 with parental or guardian consent)
  • Weigh at least 110 lbs for donors 19 years old and older
  • Be in good general health
  • Undergo a brief health screening
Schedule Your Life-Saving Donation

Blood Donor Eligibility FAQs

To ensure the safety of donors and patients who receive life-saving blood products, The Community Blood Center adheres to eligibility requirements set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Here are frequently asked eligibility questions. If you’re unable to find an answer to your eligibility question below, we strongly encourage you to contact our team at (800) 280-4102.

Medications

If you take aspirin regularly, you are still able to donate blood.

As long as you are free from antibiotics for 24 hours, you can donate. If you are taking a prophylactic (preventative), you can donate without a deferral period.

Travel

In almost all cases you will be able to donate. Some restrictions do apply if you have traveled to a potential “risk area.” If you have traveled out of the country recently, give our team a call.

Tattoos and piercings

If you have received a tattoo in the state of WI, MI, or IL at a licensed parlor you can donate. If you have received a tattoo or piecing at a licensed parlor outside of the previously-mentioned areas, please contact us before donating.

Low Iron/Anemia

Hemoglobin levels will be checked at each visit to determine if an individual is able to donate.

Immunizations and shots

If you have had the flu shot, you can donate as long as you are symptom free.

If you have been immunized for shingles, a four-week deferral is necessary before any donation.

If you have received the Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you are still eligible to donate blood and platelets.

If you have received any other immunizations, please give us a call to make sure you can donate.

Other medical conditions

Individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer, COPD, a cardiac, heart or lung condition, or have recently had a surgery or transplant are still able to donate in many cases. Please give our team a call to be sure.

Pregnancy

Women are eligible to donate six weeks after delivery.

Plasma donors

If you have donated plasma you are eligible to donate whole blood after seven days, double red after seven days, platelets after seven days, and plasma after four weeks.

Diabetes

Diabetics are okay to donate if they meet all donor requirements.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Blood Donation Guidelines

  • Temperature pre-screening to ensure health of donors immediately upon entry
  • Routine screening process already in place accounts for understanding travel history and includes a wellness check
    • A self-deferral has been added to the prescreening process asking donors who are not feeling well, who are suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19, or live with someone who is suspected or confirmed in having COVID-19, to refrain from donating.

Safety is our top priority. Visit the COVID-19 blood donation page for details on the many safety measures being taken.