Quick Reference: What to Know Before You Donate
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick rundown:
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Age: Most people 16 or older (under 18 with parental consent in many states) can donate. There’s no upper age limit for healthy donors.
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Weight: You’ll need to weigh at least 110 pounds to ensure the process is safe for your body.
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Health: You should feel well the day you donate. Controlled chronic conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, are usually fine.
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How often you can donate:
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Whole blood: every 56 days (up to 6 times a year)
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Platelets: every 7 days (up to 24 times a year)
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Plasma: every 28 days (up to 13 times a year)
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Double red cells: every 112 days (about 3 times a year)
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Temporary pauses: In specific situations, a wait time may be required before you’re able to donate; for example, this could occur after colds, tattoos, medications, pregnancy or travel to malaria-risk regions, but may not always be necessary.
Who Can Donate Blood? (Hint: Most People Can!)
If you’re generally healthy and feeling well, there’s a good chance you will qualify. The requirements for donating are more flexible than most people think.
Age: There’s No “Too Old” to Give
Generally, you must be at least 18 years old to donate on your own (some states allow you to donate at 16 years old with parental consent). But there’s no age cap for healthy adults, and plenty of people in their 70s and above donate regularly. In fact, studies show older donors tend to have fewer side effects like dizziness or lightheadedness than younger donors.
Weight: Why It Matters
Blood volume is directly linked to body weight. That’s why a minimum of 110 pounds is required for whole blood donations. It ensures that your body can comfortably handle losing about a pint of blood. Note: Donors aged 16-22 have separate requirements for weight and height. Click HERE to view them.
If you’re donating double red cells, also called Power Red, you’ll need to weigh a bit more because you’re giving twice the red blood cell volume:
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Men: at least 5'1" and 130 lbs
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Women: at least 5'3" and 150 lbs
Example:
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A 5’4” woman weighing 125 pounds could give whole blood, but not Power Red.
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A 6’0”, 180-pound man could donate either.
These guidelines protect you from feeling faint or fatigued afterward and ensure your donation is safe and effective.
Health: Feeling Well Is Key
“Healthy enough to donate” doesn’t mean you’re perfect. It simply means you feel well on donation day and can do your normal activities.
You can typically donate if you have:
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Controlled diabetes (as long as your blood sugar is stable)
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Managed high blood pressure (even if you’re on medication)
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High cholesterol, thyroid conditions, or mild asthma, if stable
Individuals who’ve had a test-diagnosed respiratory virus with mild symptoms and no fever (or were asymptomatic) should not donate for at least five days.
Temporary Deferrals: Short Waits for Common Situations
Sometimes you need a little more time before donating because of your body or your travel schedule — and that’s completely normal.
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Situation |
Wait Time Before Donating |
Why It Matters |
|
Cold, flu, or infection |
5 hours after symptoms are gone |
Protects recipient and ensures your immune system is ready |
|
New tattoo or piercing |
3–12 months depending on state |
Reduces infection risk |
|
Pregnancy |
6 weeks after birth or miscarriage |
Gives your body time to recover iron |
|
Recent travel to malaria-risk area |
3 months |
Ensures blood safety
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Taking certain medications (like Plavix or Accutane) |
Varies |
Some medications affect blood quality or platelet function (see our medication deferral list) |
If you’re ever unsure, the staff at your donation center will walk you through exactly what applies to your situation. Or call us in advance at 1-877-25-VITAL (258-5825) and speak with our eligibility expert.
How Often Can You Donate? Understanding Frequency Limits
Each blood component, from red cells to plasma to platelets, regenerates at its own pace. That’s why donation frequency depends on what you give.
Whole Blood (Every 56 Days)
Whole blood donations are the most common type, taking about 8-10 minutes for the actual draw time. Your body replaces the lost plasma within a day or two, but red blood cells take longer: about 6 to 8 weeks to fully rebuild.
That’s why you can give whole blood up to six times per year.
Example:
If you donate in January, your next eligible date would be mid-March. Many donors mark it on their calendars or set their next appointment through Vitalant’s donor app to stay on schedule.
Double Red Cells (Every 112 Days)
This type of donation collects twice as many red cells but returns your plasma and platelets during the process. It’s done through a machine and takes about 30-40 minutes longer than a whole blood donation.
Because it removes more red cells, your recovery period doubles. You can donate every 112 days, or roughly three times per year.
It’s a great option for donors with O, A-, or B- blood types, since red cells from these groups are in constant demand.
Platelets (Every 7 Days)
Platelets are tiny cell fragments that help blood clot. They’re essential for cancer patients and trauma care. Your body replenishes platelets in just a few days, which means you can safely donate every 7 days, up to 24 times per year.
Before donating, avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications for 36-48 hours, so your platelets function properly for patients.
Example:
A regular platelet donor might give every other week, contributing dozens of lifesaving transfusions each year.
Plasma (Every 28 Days)
Plasma is the pale yellow part of blood that carries nutrients, hormones and proteins. Since plasma regenerates quickly, you can donate every 28 days, or about 13 times a year.
A Lifesaving Habit That Keeps on Giving
Blood donation may seem like a small act, but it’s one that saves lives every day, from trauma patients to newborns in intensive care.
The eligibility rules are designed to make sure every donor and every patient stays safe. Most people are surprised to find they qualify.
If you’re healthy and ready to make an impact, check your eligibility and schedule your next appointment at Vitalant’s donation requirements page.
Because when you give blood, you’re not just helping. You’re healing.
Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?