What to Know Before You Donate
It may seem like there are a lot of rules about giving blood. Can you give blood if you are on certain medications? What about tattoos? Are there certain countries you can't travel to? In short: yes, there are many stipulations. For a full list of eligibility criteria, make sure you check out this eligibility guide from the American Red Cross. When you go to donate blood, you will be screened (confidentially) for illnesses, medications, travel history, and other lifestyle factors.
When You Shouldn't Give Blood
- If you have a sexually transmitted disease. You must wait 12 months after treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea. Chlamydia, venereal warts (HPV), or genital herpes are not a cause for deferral if you are feeling healthy and well and meet all other eligibility requirements.
- If you've travelled to certain countries. If you've travelled outside of the US or Canada, you'll be asked about it during the time of your donation.
- If you have certain chronic and acute illnesses (cold or flu). Read more about tips for giving blood during flu season.
- If you take certain medications. Check the eligibility criteria guide for a full list.
- If you have low iron.
- If you are pregnant. You must wait six weeks after giving birth to give blood.
- If you got a tattoo within the last 12 months if it was in the following states: District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, or Wyoming.
What to Eat
Patty recommends eating a hearty meal before your donation that includes iron-rich foods. Think: red meat, fish, poultry, eggs, beans, spinach, kale, or iron-fortified cereals. She also said to drink at least 16 ounces of water or other nonalcoholic fluids before your donation.
What to Bring and Wear
When you register, you will complete a registration form and be asked to show a donor card, driver's licence, or two other forms of ID. Make sure you wear a t-shirt or a top with sleeves that can be rolled up easily. You might want to bring a book or podcast to listen to.
Knowing Your Blood Type
Patty said that while many people think they need to know their blood type before they donate, that's simply not the case. "We need donors of all blood types to ensure a sufficient supply for patients," she told POPSUGAR. You can get notified of your blood type after your donation when you get your blood donor card or by creating a profile through the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
All blood types are needed to donate, but type O positive and O negative blood donors are especially needed since type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type. "Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations," Patty said.