Posted on Jun 4, 2015
How many other veterans and service members are not permitted to donate blood? Why?
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What Happened to Mad Cow Disease?
If you were around in the '90s, you might remember the scare over mad cow disease, but it seems to have quieted down in the intervening years. What happened?...
I try to give back to the people of this nation as I am able. I used to donate blood regularly; but because I was stationed in Germany in the early 1980's when some beef in military mess halls came from cows with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) [Mad Cow] I can no longer donate blood because we have become infected with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Variant (vCJD); "Mad Cow Disease." I learned recently that people with HIV can now donate blood - per conversation with Red Cross POC, efforts were funded to come up with a way that HIV positive people can donate blood. That saddened me and made me mad. Bovine spongiform can only be tested through autopsy right now. Many of those of us who served in Europe during the latter part of the cold war have not been able to donate blood. I hope that NIH will make in a priority and obtain funding to develop ways to test for bovine spongiform in people through a blood test.
[Note: I updated the question from "veterans" to "Veterans and service members" on June 6, 2015 - 71st anniversary of D Day - Operation Overlord]
[update May 18, 2018] As of 2017, worldwide 230 people, roughly 180 in the UK have been infected with vCJD and 4 people in the USA have been infected.
Mad Cow and VCJD are nervous system diseases which are based on diseased prions [not the car]. Diseased prions binds to proteins and converts them to prions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxojz6grwcU
Thanks to 1SG (Join to see) for alerting me that "there is progress in the development of methods to detect misfolded proteins in the bloodstream" I did research and found the following at an NIH site.
As this article informs us there has been progress in control groups testing of "developed blood tests to detect prion." The article states that there are plans to "validate their methods using larger samples sizes."
Hopefully this process will be successful to detect whether or not we have been infected by Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Variant (vCJD); "Mad Cow Disease."
"Prion diseases are a group of rare, fatal brain diseases that affect animals and humans. They are caused by normally harmless proteins that become abnormal and form clumps in the brain. One form, called variant CJD (vCJD), is associated with eating meat from cattle infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as “mad cow” disease.
People may have vCJD for years before symptoms—such as depression, hallucinations, moving difficulties, and dementia—appear. These “silent” carriers have small amounts of prions in their bloodstreams and can transmit the disease to others via blood transfusions. The only current method to diagnose vCJD is to perform a biopsy or a postmortem analysis of brain tissue. Thus, a noninvasive test to detect prions in blood is a medical priority.
Two research groups recently developed blood tests to detect prions. The results appeared in a pair of papers published on December 21, 2016, in Science Translational Medicine. One of the groups, led by Dr. Claudio Soto of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, was funded in part by NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS).
Prions are scarce in the bloodstream and difficult to measure. Both teams developed methods to amplify the prions in blood samples using a technique called protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA). PMCA relies on the characteristic nature of prions to cause certain healthy proteins to clump abnormally and convert into prions.
Soto’s group first combined healthy proteins with known concentrations of infectious vCJD prions. They intermittently agitated these mixtures with sound waves. The agitation helped break the prions into smaller chunks. This increased the number of prions that could then convert healthy proteins into prions. Using this method, the scientists were able to detect more than a billion-fold dilution of prions using an anti-prion antibody.
The scientists next tested whether the technique could be used to detect prions in blood samples from 14 people with vCJD and 153 controls. The controls included healthy people as well as people with different neurological or neurodegenerative disorders, including sporadic CJD, the most common form of CJD. The assay flagged all the vCJD samples correctly.
In the second paper, a French research group described a similar approach testing a blinded panel of blood samples. That team identified 18 vCJD patients in a group of 256 samples.
“Our findings, which need to be confirmed in further studies, suggest that our method of detection could be useful for the noninvasive diagnosis of this disease in pre-symptomatic individuals,” Soto says. Early diagnosis would allow potential therapies to be tested before substantial brain damage occurred. This technique would also allow blood contaminated with prions to be detected and removed from the blood supply.
Both teams are now working to validate their methods using larger samples sizes.
―by Anita Ramanathan
nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/new-method-accurately-detects-prions-blood
~793507:LTC Bill Koski] CW5 (Join to see) MSG Brad Sand SGM Steve Wettstein SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SP5 Mark Kuzinski SrA Christopher Wright PO1 William "Chip" Nagel PO1 John Miller SP5 Robert Ruck SPC (Join to see) PO3 Steven Sherrill SN Greg Wright Maj Marty Hogan SCPO Morris Ramsey TSgt Joe C. Cpl Joshua Caldwell SGT Michael Thorin SP5 Dave (Shotgun) Shockley SPC Margaret Higgins
[Note: I updated the question from "veterans" to "Veterans and service members" on June 6, 2015 - 71st anniversary of D Day - Operation Overlord]
[update May 18, 2018] As of 2017, worldwide 230 people, roughly 180 in the UK have been infected with vCJD and 4 people in the USA have been infected.
Mad Cow and VCJD are nervous system diseases which are based on diseased prions [not the car]. Diseased prions binds to proteins and converts them to prions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxojz6grwcU
Thanks to 1SG (Join to see) for alerting me that "there is progress in the development of methods to detect misfolded proteins in the bloodstream" I did research and found the following at an NIH site.
As this article informs us there has been progress in control groups testing of "developed blood tests to detect prion." The article states that there are plans to "validate their methods using larger samples sizes."
Hopefully this process will be successful to detect whether or not we have been infected by Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Variant (vCJD); "Mad Cow Disease."
"Prion diseases are a group of rare, fatal brain diseases that affect animals and humans. They are caused by normally harmless proteins that become abnormal and form clumps in the brain. One form, called variant CJD (vCJD), is associated with eating meat from cattle infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as “mad cow” disease.
People may have vCJD for years before symptoms—such as depression, hallucinations, moving difficulties, and dementia—appear. These “silent” carriers have small amounts of prions in their bloodstreams and can transmit the disease to others via blood transfusions. The only current method to diagnose vCJD is to perform a biopsy or a postmortem analysis of brain tissue. Thus, a noninvasive test to detect prions in blood is a medical priority.
Two research groups recently developed blood tests to detect prions. The results appeared in a pair of papers published on December 21, 2016, in Science Translational Medicine. One of the groups, led by Dr. Claudio Soto of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, was funded in part by NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS).
Prions are scarce in the bloodstream and difficult to measure. Both teams developed methods to amplify the prions in blood samples using a technique called protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA). PMCA relies on the characteristic nature of prions to cause certain healthy proteins to clump abnormally and convert into prions.
Soto’s group first combined healthy proteins with known concentrations of infectious vCJD prions. They intermittently agitated these mixtures with sound waves. The agitation helped break the prions into smaller chunks. This increased the number of prions that could then convert healthy proteins into prions. Using this method, the scientists were able to detect more than a billion-fold dilution of prions using an anti-prion antibody.
The scientists next tested whether the technique could be used to detect prions in blood samples from 14 people with vCJD and 153 controls. The controls included healthy people as well as people with different neurological or neurodegenerative disorders, including sporadic CJD, the most common form of CJD. The assay flagged all the vCJD samples correctly.
In the second paper, a French research group described a similar approach testing a blinded panel of blood samples. That team identified 18 vCJD patients in a group of 256 samples.
“Our findings, which need to be confirmed in further studies, suggest that our method of detection could be useful for the noninvasive diagnosis of this disease in pre-symptomatic individuals,” Soto says. Early diagnosis would allow potential therapies to be tested before substantial brain damage occurred. This technique would also allow blood contaminated with prions to be detected and removed from the blood supply.
Both teams are now working to validate their methods using larger samples sizes.
―by Anita Ramanathan
nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/new-method-accurately-detects-prions-blood
~793507:LTC Bill Koski] CW5 (Join to see) MSG Brad Sand SGM Steve Wettstein SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SP5 Mark Kuzinski SrA Christopher Wright PO1 William "Chip" Nagel PO1 John Miller SP5 Robert Ruck SPC (Join to see) PO3 Steven Sherrill SN Greg Wright Maj Marty Hogan SCPO Morris Ramsey TSgt Joe C. Cpl Joshua Caldwell SGT Michael Thorin SP5 Dave (Shotgun) Shockley SPC Margaret Higgins
Medical
Health
Europe
Deployment
Edited 6 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 249
LTC Stephen F.
SGM Erik Marquez, I am sorry to learn that you too are prohibited from giving blood. I suspect there are hundreds of thousands of us in the "same boat."
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
My times in Europe and several others pertaining to Africa , several deployments will do that I guess but hey if I have no illnesses and am still fit I should be able to help sae lives. I work as a DA civilian and know first hand just how that 1 patient can go through a supply quickly and the local hospital is doing an all call for a particulkr type
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I was provided a "lifetime ban from donating blood" letter a few years ago. After donating over three gallons during my younger years (not all at once!), I was exposed to a lot of blood from a local national patient I was treating during the Contra-Sandanista conflict in Honduras/ElSalvador/Nicaragua. Alas, I developed Hep B and adding some organic shrapnel in Afghanistan, the Red Cross says "no mo." They were very firm about it and were emphatic that I don't even try or get screened any more. "Sometimes I feel I've got to * * Run away I've got to * * Get away . . . Tainted Blood."
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LTC Stephen F.
Soft Cell - Tainted Love (Original, 1981)
Sometimes I feel I've got to Run away I've got to Get away From the pain that you drive into the heart of me The love we share Seems to go nowhere And I've l...
Thank you for responding LTC Ben Chlapek and letting us know that you have been officially banned from donating blood based on the fact that you developed Hepatitis B in Afghanistan in Afghanistan and received some shrapnel.
Being exposed to a Central American patient's blood in the Contra-Sandinista conflict in Honduras/El Salvador/Nicaragua as a Latin American FAO probably exposed you to many bugs.
You like many of us dominated blood regularly since we were young only to be told no more.
Since you hinted at it, here is Soft Cell - Tainted Love (Original, 1981)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkuVBQ4nxiw
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Wayne Brandon LTC Bill Koski Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown Maj Marty Hogan MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SPC Margaret Higgins MSgt Jason McClish AN Christopher Crayne SPC Tom DeSmet SGT Charles H. Hawes SGT (Join to see) SSG David Andrews
Being exposed to a Central American patient's blood in the Contra-Sandinista conflict in Honduras/El Salvador/Nicaragua as a Latin American FAO probably exposed you to many bugs.
You like many of us dominated blood regularly since we were young only to be told no more.
Since you hinted at it, here is Soft Cell - Tainted Love (Original, 1981)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkuVBQ4nxiw
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Wayne Brandon LTC Bill Koski Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown Maj Marty Hogan MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SPC Margaret Higgins MSgt Jason McClish AN Christopher Crayne SPC Tom DeSmet SGT Charles H. Hawes SGT (Join to see) SSG David Andrews
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I was a dependent during the 8os in Germany. Our school did not have a cafeteria so occasionally I ate at the mess hall. Also we traveled for sports and ate at different mess halls. Is this a concern for dependents as well?
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LTC Stephen F.
Thank you for responding SPC Dawn Sermons and letting us know that you can donate on the basis that as a military dependent during the bovine spongiform epidemic in the 1980s in FRG you periodically ate in the base mess halls. Ii expect you are not alone in this predicament.
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC (Join to see) Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Maj Marty Hogan SCPO Morris Ramsey SGT Mark Halmrast Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Dave Hoover SPC Margaret Higgins SSgt Brian Brakke 1stSgt Eugene Harless CPT Scott Sharon PO1 H Gene Lawrence
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC (Join to see) Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Maj Marty Hogan SCPO Morris Ramsey SGT Mark Halmrast Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Dave Hoover SPC Margaret Higgins SSgt Brian Brakke 1stSgt Eugene Harless CPT Scott Sharon PO1 H Gene Lawrence
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LTC Stephen F.
FYI my friend SPC Dawn Sermons it appears the rules for donating blood have changed. Only those living or being stationed in the British Isles, of France or Ireland for 5 or more years are restricted based on living or being stationed in Europe.
Based on the American Red Cross from June 30, 2021
https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements/eligibility-criteria-alphabetical/eligibility-reference-material.html
It seems that being stationed or being a dependent in Germany, Turkey and other duty stations in Europe [outside of the Great Britain, Ireland and France [for 5 years or more] has been lifted from the prohibition for donating blood lists.
At this time, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) donor eligibility rules related to vCJD are as follows:
You are not eligible to donate if
From January 1, 1980, through December 31, 1996, you spent (visited or lived) a cumulative time of 3 months or more, in any country in the United Kingdom (UK),
Channel Islands England Falkland Islands Gibraltar Isle of Man Northern Ireland Scotland Wales
From January 1, 1980, to present, you had a blood transfusion in any of the countries listed below:
France Ireland Channel Islands England Falkland Islands Gibraltar Isle of Man Northern Ireland Scotland Wales
You spent (visited or lived) a cumulative time of 5 years or more from January 1, 1980, through December 31, 2001, in France or Ireland.
Based on the American Red Cross from June 30, 2021
https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements/eligibility-criteria-alphabetical/eligibility-reference-material.html
It seems that being stationed or being a dependent in Germany, Turkey and other duty stations in Europe [outside of the Great Britain, Ireland and France [for 5 years or more] has been lifted from the prohibition for donating blood lists.
At this time, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) donor eligibility rules related to vCJD are as follows:
You are not eligible to donate if
From January 1, 1980, through December 31, 1996, you spent (visited or lived) a cumulative time of 3 months or more, in any country in the United Kingdom (UK),
Channel Islands England Falkland Islands Gibraltar Isle of Man Northern Ireland Scotland Wales
From January 1, 1980, to present, you had a blood transfusion in any of the countries listed below:
France Ireland Channel Islands England Falkland Islands Gibraltar Isle of Man Northern Ireland Scotland Wales
You spent (visited or lived) a cumulative time of 5 years or more from January 1, 1980, through December 31, 2001, in France or Ireland.
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This really makes me wonder why all of a sudden after all these years it’s such a priority? Did they finally figure out that a lot of us had already donated a lot of blood possibly with the disease and the new people we infected later became donors as well in the US and were never stopped from donating because they had never been in Europe? Hmmm, makes you wonder.
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LTC Stephen F.
Thank you for responding SFC Dagmar Riley Politics trumps in this issue.
1. In the UK where the Bovine Spongiform Epidemic started, everybody ca donate blood except for those with communicable diseases such HIV, HEP A, B, C etc.
2. In this nation, NIH and allied agencies focused on developing tests for HIV so that same-gender sex focused people could be screened in or out. That population is numerically smaller but has more political clout and funding …
3. The more significant population of service members and veterans who were stationed in western Europe primarily [1979 - 1989 approximately] who were potentially exposed to BSe and have developed the human form vCJD. In the mid-1960s those of potentially exposed were told we could no longer donate blood and that the only way to test out blood was by autopsy.
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Orlando Illi Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown CMSgt (Join to see) MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT (Join to see) Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. SGT Charles H. Hawes SGT Mark Halmrast PO1 William "Chip" Nagel CPT Gabe SnellLTC Greg Henning
1. In the UK where the Bovine Spongiform Epidemic started, everybody ca donate blood except for those with communicable diseases such HIV, HEP A, B, C etc.
2. In this nation, NIH and allied agencies focused on developing tests for HIV so that same-gender sex focused people could be screened in or out. That population is numerically smaller but has more political clout and funding …
3. The more significant population of service members and veterans who were stationed in western Europe primarily [1979 - 1989 approximately] who were potentially exposed to BSe and have developed the human form vCJD. In the mid-1960s those of potentially exposed were told we could no longer donate blood and that the only way to test out blood was by autopsy.
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Orlando Illi Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown CMSgt (Join to see) MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT (Join to see) Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. SGT Charles H. Hawes SGT Mark Halmrast PO1 William "Chip" Nagel CPT Gabe SnellLTC Greg Henning
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SFC Dagmar Riley
LTC Stephen F. I had grown up in Europe and was stationed in Germany as well and was never denied from giving blood until about a year after getting back from Desert Storm, at which time they told us that if we had been to Desert Storm we could no longer donate. After they lifted the ban for Desert Storm veterans from donating, is when they started asking the question whether or not I had been to Europe in the 80’s. Prior to Desert Storm though, I always donated religiously every time there was a blood drive anywhere. So if someone just kept forgetting to ask me prior to that and I ever was infected then I definitely helped in spreading it with the many donations I made.
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We got an experimental shot called the cocktail before we left for the first gulf war
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LTC Stephen F.
Thanks MSgt Shawn Wood for letting us know that you received a shot called the cocktail before we left for Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield.
Are you able to donate blood now?
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT (Join to see) Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. CPL Dave Hoover SGT Mark Halmrast SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright
Are you able to donate blood now?
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT (Join to see) Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. CPL Dave Hoover SGT Mark Halmrast SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright
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MSgt Shawn Wood
No I was told I could never donate blood again. Plus I was stationed in England with the mad cow disease.
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According to the Red Cross in this nation, with the exception of potential Mad Cow and certain diseases like Ebola, Zika, HIV most people could expect to be able to donate blood of blood products.
Medications and Vaccinations
Antibiotics
A donor with an acute infection should not donate. The reason for antibiotic use must be evaluated to determine if the donor has a bacterial infection that could be transmissible by blood.
Acceptable after finishing oral antibiotics for an infection (bacterial or viral). May have taken last pill on the date of donation. Antibiotic by injection for an infection acceptable 10 days after last injection. Acceptable if you are taking antibiotics to prevent an infection for the following reasons: acne, chronic prostatitis, peptic ulcer disease, periodontal disease, pre-dental work, rosacea, ulcerative colitis, after a splenectomy, or valvular heart disease. If you have a temperature above 99.5 F, you may not donate.
Aspirin
See "Medications"
Birth Control
Women on oral contraceptives or using other forms of birth control are eligible to donate.
Immunization, Vaccination
Acceptable if you were vaccinated for influenza, tetanus or meningitis, providing you are symptom-free and fever-free. Includes the Tdap vaccine.
Acceptable if you received an HPV Vaccine (example, Gardasil).
Wait 4 weeks after immunizations for German Measles (Rubella), MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), Chicken Pox and Shingles.
Wait 2 weeks after immunizations for Red Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Polio (by mouth), and Yellow Fever vaccine.
Wait 21 days after immunization for hepatitis B as long as you are not given the immunization for exposure to hepatitis B.
Smallpox vaccination and did not develop complications
Wait 8 weeks (56 days) from the date of having a smallpox vaccination as long as you have had no complications. Complications may include skin reactions beyond the vaccination site or general illness related to the vaccination.
Smallpox vaccination and developed complications
Wait 14 days after all vaccine complications have resolved or 8 weeks (56 days) from the date of having had the smallpox vaccination whichever is the longer period of time. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation. Complications may include skin reactions beyond the vaccination site or general illness related to the vaccination.
Smallpox vaccination – close contact with someone who has had the smallpox vaccine in the last eight weeks and you did not develop any skin lesions or other symptoms.
Eligible to donate.
Smallpox vaccination – close contact with someone who has had the vaccine in the last eight weeks and you have since developed skin lesions or symptoms.
Wait 8 weeks (56 days) from the date of the first skin lesion or sore. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation. Complications may include skin reactions or general illness related to the exposure.
Insulin (Bovine)
Donors with diabetes who since 1980, ever used bovine (beef) insulin made from cattle from the United Kingdom are not eligible to donate. This requirement is related to concerns about variant CJD, or 'mad cow' disease. Learn more about variant CJD and blood donation.
Medications
In almost all cases, medications will not disqualify you as a blood donor. Your eligibility will be based on the reason that the medication was prescribed. As long as the condition is under control and you are healthy, blood donation is usually permitted.
Over-the-counter oral homeopathic medications, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements are acceptable. There are a handful of drugs that are of special significance in blood donation. Persons on these drugs have waiting periods following their last dose before they can donate blood:
Accutane, Amnesteem, Absorica, Claravis, Myorisan, Sotret or Zenatane (isotretinoin), Proscar (finasteride), and Propecia (finasteride) - wait 1 month from the last dose.
Avodart or Jalyn (dutasteride) - wait 6 months from the last dose.
Aspirin, no waiting period for donating whole blood. However you must wait 2 days (3 days if you donate in New York State) after taking aspirin or any medication containing aspirin before donating platelets by apheresis.
Effient (prasugrel) and Brilinta (ticagrelor)- no waiting period for donating whole blood. However you must wait 7 days after taking this medication before donating platelets by apheresis.
Feldene (piroxicam), no waiting period for donating whole blood. However you must wait 2 days after taking Feldene (piroxicam) before donating platelets by apheresis.
Arixtra (fondaparinux), Coumadin, Warfilone, Jantoven (warfarin) and Heparin, are prescription blood thinners- you should not donate since your blood will not clot normally. If your doctor discontinues your treatment with blood thinners, wait 7 days before returning to donate.
Fragmin (dalteparin), Eliquis (apixaban), Pradaxa (dabigatran),Savaysa (edoxaban), Xarelto (rivaroxaban),and Lovenox (enoxaparin) are also prescription blood thinners- you should not donate since your blood will not clot normally. If your doctor discontinues your treatment with these blood thinners, wait 2 days before returning to donate.
Other prescription blood thinners not listed, call [login to see] to speak with an eligibility specialist about your individual situation.
Hepatitis B Immune Globulin – given for exposure to hepatitis, wait 12 months after exposure to hepatitis.
Human pituitary-derived growth hormone at any time - you are not eligible to donate blood.
Plavix (clopidogrel), Ticlid (ticlopidine) and Zontivity (vorapaxar) - no waiting period for donating whole blood. However you must wait 14 days after taking this medication before donating platelets by apheresis.
Soriatane (acitretin) – wait 3 years.
Tegison (etretinate) at any time – you are not eligible to donate blood.
Erivedge (vismodegib) – wait 2 years.
Aubagio (teriflunomide) – wait 2 years.
Unable to Give Blood?
You can help people facing emergencies by making a financial donation to support the Red Cross’s greatest needs. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills. Make a financial gift today.
General Health Considerations
Allergy, Stuffy Nose, Itchy Eyes, Dry Cough
Acceptable as long as you feel well, have no fever, and have no problems breathing through your mouth.
Cold, Flu
Wait if you have a fever or a productive cough (bringing up phlegm)
Wait if you do not feel well on the day of donation.
Wait until you have completed antibiotic treatment for sinus, throat or lung infection.
Donation Intervals
Wait at least 8 weeks between whole blood (standard) donations.
Wait at least 7 days between platelet (pheresis) donations.
Wait at least 16 weeks between Power Red (automated) donations.
Weight/Height
You must weigh at least 110 lbs to be eligible for blood donation for your own safety. Students who donate at high school drives and donors 18 years of age or younger must also meet additional height and weight requirements for whole blood donation (applies to girls shorter than 5'6" and boys shorter than 5').
Blood volume is determined by body weight and height. Individuals with low blood volumes may not tolerate the removal of the required volume of blood given with whole blood donation. There is no upper weight limit as long as your weight is not higher than the weight limit of the donor bed/lounge you are using. You can discuss any upper weight limitations of beds and lounges with your local health historian.
Medical Conditions that Affect Eligibility
Allergies
Acceptable as long as you feel well, have no fever, and have no problems breathing through your mouth.
Asthma
Acceptable as long as you do not have any limitations on daily activities and are not having difficulty breathing at the time of donation and you otherwise feel well. Medications for asthma do not disqualify you from donating.
Bleeding Condition
If you have a history of bleeding problems, you will be asked additional questions. If your blood does not clot normally, you should not donate since you may have excessive bleeding where the needle was placed. For the same reason, you should not donate if you are taking any "blood thinner" such as:
Atrixa (fondaparinux)
Coumadin (warfarin)
Eliquis (apixaban)
Fragmin (dalteparin)
Heparin
Jantoven (warfarin)
Lovenox (enoxaparin)
Pradaxa (dabigatran)
Savaysa (edoxaban)
Warfilone (warfarin)
Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
If you are on aspirin, it is OK to donate whole blood. However, you must be off of aspirin for at least 2 days (3 days if you donate in New York state) in order to donate platelets by apheresis. Donors with clotting disorder from Factor V who are not on anticoagulants are eligible to donate; however, all others must be evaluated by the health historian at the collection center.
Blood Pressure (High or Low)
High Blood Pressure - Acceptable as long as your blood pressure is below 180 systolic (first number) and below 100 diastolic (second number) at the time of donation. Medications for high blood pressure do not disqualify you from donating.
Low Blood Pressure - Acceptable as long as you feel well when you come to donate, and your blood pressure is at least 90/50 (systolic/diastolic).
Cancer
Eligibility depends on the type of cancer and treatment history. If you had leukemia or lymphoma, including Hodgkin’s Disease and other cancers of the blood, you are not eligible to donate. Other types of cancer are acceptable if the cancer has been treated successfully and it has been more than 12 months since treatment was completed and there has been no cancer recurrence in this time. Lower risk in-situ cancers including squamous or basal cell cancers of the skin that have been completely removed do not require a 12 month waiting period.
Precancerous conditions of the uterine cervix do not disqualify you from donation if the abnormality has been treated successfully. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.
Chronic Illnesses
Most chronic illnesses are acceptable as long as you feel well, the condition is under control, and you meet all other eligibility requirements.
CJD, vCJD, Mad Cow Disease
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) If you ever received a dura mater (brain covering) transplant or human pituitary growth hormone, you are not eligible to donate. Those who have a blood relative who had Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are also not eligible to donate. Learn more about CJD.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Variant (vCJD); "Mad Cow Disease"
See under Travel Outside of U.S. Learn more about vCJD and blood donation.
Unable to Give Blood?
You can help people facing emergencies by making a financial donation to support the Red Cross’s greatest needs. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills. Make a financial gift today.
Diabetes
Diabetics who are well controlled on insulin or oral medications are eligible to donate.
Heart Disease
In general , acceptable as long as you have been medically evaluated and treated, have no current (within the last 6 months) heart related symptoms such as chest pain and have no limitations or restrictions on your normal daily activities.
Wait at least 6 months following an episode of angina.
Wait at least 6 months following a heart attack.
Wait at least 6 months after bypass surgery or angioplasty.
Wait at least 6 months after a change in your heart condition that resulted in a change to your medications
If you have a pacemaker, you may donate as long as your pulse is between 50 and 100 beats per minute and you meet the other heart disease criteria. You should discuss your particular situation with your personal healthcare provider and the health historian at the time of donation.
Heart Murmur, Heart Valve Disorder
Acceptable if you have a heart murmur as long as you have been medically evaluated and treated and have not had symptoms in the last 6 months, and have no restrictions on your normal daily activities.
Hemochromatosis (Hereditary)
American Red Cross does not accept individuals with hemochromatosis as blood donors.
Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Blood Count
In order to donate blood, a woman must have a hemoglobin level of at least 12.5 g/dL, and a man must have a hemoglobin level of at least 13.0 g/dL. For all donors, the hemoglobin level can be no greater than 20 g/dL.
Separate requirements for hemoglobin level apply for Power Red.
Hepatitis, Jaundice
If you have signs or symptoms of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) caused by a virus, or unexplained jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin), you are not eligible to donate blood. If you ever tested positive for hepatitis B or hepatitis C, at any age, you are not eligible to donate, even if you were never sick or jaundiced from the infection.
Hepatitis Exposure
If you live with or have had sexual contact with a person who has hepatitis, you must wait 12 months after the last contact.
Persons who have been detained or incarcerated in a facility (juvenile detention, lockup, jail, or prison) for more than 72 consecutive hours (3 days) are deferred for 12 months from the date of last occurrence. This includes work release programs and weekend incarceration. These persons are at higher risk for exposure to infectious diseases.
Wait 12 months after receiving a blood transfusion (unless it was your own "autologous" blood), non-sterile needle stick or exposure to someone else's blood.
HIV, AIDS
You should not give blood if you have AIDS or have ever had a positive HIV test, or if you have done something that puts you at risk for becoming infected with HIV.
You are at risk for getting infected if you:
have ever used needles to take any drugs, steroids, or anything not prescribed by your doctor
are a male who has had sexual contact with another male, in the last 12 months
have ever taken money, drugs or other payment for sex
have had sexual contact in the past 12 months with anyone described above
You should not give blood if you have any of the following conditions that can be signs or symptoms of HIV/AIDS:
Fever
Enlarged lymph glands
Sore throat
Rash
Hypertension, High Blood Pressure
See "Blood Pressure (High)"
Infections
If you have a fever or an active infection, wait until the infection has resolved completely before donating blood.
Wait until finished taking antibiotics for an infection (bacterial or viral). Wait 10 days after the last antibiotic injection for an infection.
Those who have had infections with Chagas Disease, Babesiosis or Leishmaniasis are not eligible to donate.
See also Antibiotics, Hepatitis, HIV, Syphilis/Gonorrhea, and Tuberculosis.
Malaria
Malaria is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes found in certain countries and may be transmitted to patients through blood transfusion. Blood donations are not tested for malaria because there is no sensitive blood test available for malaria.
If you have traveled or lived in a malaria-risk country, we may require a waiting period before you can donate blood.
Wait 3 years after completing treatment for malaria.
Wait 12 months after returning from a trip to an area where malaria is found.
Wait 3 years after living more than 5 years in a country or countries where malaria is found. An additional waiting period of 3 years may be required if you have traveled to an are where malaria is found if you have not lived a consecutive 3 years in a country or countries where malaria is not found.
If you have traveled outside of the United States and Canada, your travel destinations will be reviewed at the time of donation.
Please, come prepared to discuss your travel details when you donate. You may download the travel form and bring it with you to help in the assessment of your travel. You can call [login to see] to speak with an eligibility specialist about your travel.
If, in the past 3 years, you have been outside the United States or Canada:
What countries did you visit?
Where did you travel while in this country?
Did you leave the city or resort at any time? If yes, where did you go?
What mode of transportation did you use?
How long did you stay?
What date did you return to the U.S.?
Sexually Transmitted Disease
See Sexually Transmitted Diseases below.
Sickle Cell
Acceptable if you have sickle cell trait. Those with sickle cell disease are not eligible to donate.
Skin Disease, Rash, Acne
Acceptable as long as the skin over the vein to be used to collect blood is not affected. If the skin disease has become infected, wait until the infection has cleared before donating. Taking antibiotics to control acne does not disqualify you from donating.
Tuberculosis
If you have active tuberculosis or are being treated for active tuberculosis you should not donate. Acceptable if you have a positive skin test or blood test, but no active tuberculosis and are NOT taking antibiotics. If you are receiving antibiotics for a positive TB skin test or blood test only or if you are being treated for a tuberculosis infection, wait until treatment is successfully completed before donating.
Medical Treatments that Affect Eligibility
Acupuncture
Donors who have undergone acupuncture treatments are acceptable.
Blood Transfusion
Wait for 12 months after receiving a blood transfusion from another person in the United States.
You may not donate if you received a blood transfusion since 1980 in the United Kingdom or France (The United Kingdom consists of the following countries: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar or Falkland Islands). This requirement is related to concerns about variant CJD, or 'mad cow' disease. Learn more about variant CJD and blood donation.
Dental Procedures and Oral Surgery
Acceptable after dental procedures as long as there is no infection present. Wait until finishing antibiotics for a dental infection. Wait for 3 days after having oral surgery.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Women on hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms and prevention of osteoporosis are eligible to donate.
Organ/Tissue Transplants
Wait 12 months after receiving any type of organ transplant from another person. If you ever received a dura mater (brain covering) transplant, you are not eligible to donate. This requirement is related to concerns about the brain disease, Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease (CJD). Learn more about CJD and blood donation.
If you ever received a transplant of animal organs or of living animal tissue - you are not eligible to donate blood. Non-living animal tissues such as bone, tendon, or heart valves are acceptable.
Unable to Give Blood?
You can help people facing emergencies by making a financial donation to support the Red Cross’s greatest needs. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills. Make a financial gift today.
Surgery
It is not necessarily surgery but the underlying condition that precipitated the surgery that requires evaluation before donation. Evaluation is on a case by case basis. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.
Lifestyle and Life Events
Age
You must be at least 17 years old to donate to the general blood supply, or 16 years old with parental/guardian consent, if allowed by state law. Learn more about the reasons for a lower age limit. There is no upper age limit for blood donation as long as you are well with no restrictions or limitations to your activities.
Donor Deferral for Men Who Have Had Sex With Men (MSM)
On December 21, 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued final guidance for deferral criteria for men who have had sex with men (MSM). AABB, America's Blood Centers and the Red Cross support the FDA's decision to change the MSM blood donation policy from a lifetime deferral to a one-year deferral and additionally for the purposes of blood donation gender is self-identified and self-reported, which is relevant to the transgender community. This policy change aligns the MSM donor deferral period with those for other activities that may pose a similar risk of transfusion-transmissable infections.
First-time male donors may now be eligible to donate blood if they have not had sex with another man in more than 12 months. All additional blood donation eligibility criteria will apply.
Donors who were previously deferred under the prior MSM policy will be evaluated for reinstatement. It is important to understand that the donor reinstatement process involves potentially thousands of donors, and it will take time.
Individuals who have been deferred for MSM in the past may initiate donor reinstatement beginning January 2017 by contacting the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at [login to see] . Individuals with questions about their donation eligibility can contact the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at [login to see] . We appreciate the patience of our valued donors as we continue to diligently work to implement these changes so that more people can give blood for those in need.
More information about the FDA policy is available for LGBTQ+ donors.
Intravenous Drug Use
Those who have ever used IV drugs that were not prescribed by a physician are not eligible to donate. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis and HIV. Learn more about hepatitis and blood donation.
Piercing (ears, body), Electrolysis
Acceptable as long as the instruments used were single-use equipment. Wait 12 months if a piercing was performed using a reusable gun or any reusable instrument.
Wait 12 months if there is any question whether or not the instruments used were single-use equipment.. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. Learn more about hepatitis and blood donation.
Pregnancy, Nursing
Persons who are pregnant are not eligible to donate. Wait 6 weeks after giving birth.
Unable to Give Blood?
You can help people facing emergencies by making a financial donation to support the Red Cross’s greatest needs. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills. Make a financial gift today.
Tattoo
Wait 12 months after a tattoo if the tattoo was applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities. Currently, the only states that DO NOT regulate tattoo facilities are: District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wyoming. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. Learn more about hepatitis and blood donation.
A tattoo is acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. Cosmetic tattoos applied in a licensed establishment in a regulated state using sterile needles and ink that is not reused is acceptable. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.
Sexually Transmitted Disease
Wait 12 months after treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea.
Acceptable if it has been more than 12 months since you completed treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea.
Chlamydia, venereal warts (human papilloma virus), or genital herpes are not a cause for deferral if you are feeling healthy and well and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Venereal Diseases
Wait 12 months after treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea.
Chlamydia, venereal warts (human papilloma virus), or genital herpes are not a cause for deferral if you are feeling healthy and well and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Syphilis/Gonorrhea
Wait 12 months after treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea.
https://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements/eligibility-criteria-topic
FYI Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown 1stSgt Eugene Harless MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4"SCPO Morris Ramsey SGT Michael Thorin SGT (Join to see) SGT Robert George SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Mark Kuzinski SP5 Robert Ruck SP5 Dave (Shotgun) Shockley SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright Maj Marty Hogan CPL Craig Cheltenham
Medications and Vaccinations
Antibiotics
A donor with an acute infection should not donate. The reason for antibiotic use must be evaluated to determine if the donor has a bacterial infection that could be transmissible by blood.
Acceptable after finishing oral antibiotics for an infection (bacterial or viral). May have taken last pill on the date of donation. Antibiotic by injection for an infection acceptable 10 days after last injection. Acceptable if you are taking antibiotics to prevent an infection for the following reasons: acne, chronic prostatitis, peptic ulcer disease, periodontal disease, pre-dental work, rosacea, ulcerative colitis, after a splenectomy, or valvular heart disease. If you have a temperature above 99.5 F, you may not donate.
Aspirin
See "Medications"
Birth Control
Women on oral contraceptives or using other forms of birth control are eligible to donate.
Immunization, Vaccination
Acceptable if you were vaccinated for influenza, tetanus or meningitis, providing you are symptom-free and fever-free. Includes the Tdap vaccine.
Acceptable if you received an HPV Vaccine (example, Gardasil).
Wait 4 weeks after immunizations for German Measles (Rubella), MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), Chicken Pox and Shingles.
Wait 2 weeks after immunizations for Red Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Polio (by mouth), and Yellow Fever vaccine.
Wait 21 days after immunization for hepatitis B as long as you are not given the immunization for exposure to hepatitis B.
Smallpox vaccination and did not develop complications
Wait 8 weeks (56 days) from the date of having a smallpox vaccination as long as you have had no complications. Complications may include skin reactions beyond the vaccination site or general illness related to the vaccination.
Smallpox vaccination and developed complications
Wait 14 days after all vaccine complications have resolved or 8 weeks (56 days) from the date of having had the smallpox vaccination whichever is the longer period of time. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation. Complications may include skin reactions beyond the vaccination site or general illness related to the vaccination.
Smallpox vaccination – close contact with someone who has had the smallpox vaccine in the last eight weeks and you did not develop any skin lesions or other symptoms.
Eligible to donate.
Smallpox vaccination – close contact with someone who has had the vaccine in the last eight weeks and you have since developed skin lesions or symptoms.
Wait 8 weeks (56 days) from the date of the first skin lesion or sore. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation. Complications may include skin reactions or general illness related to the exposure.
Insulin (Bovine)
Donors with diabetes who since 1980, ever used bovine (beef) insulin made from cattle from the United Kingdom are not eligible to donate. This requirement is related to concerns about variant CJD, or 'mad cow' disease. Learn more about variant CJD and blood donation.
Medications
In almost all cases, medications will not disqualify you as a blood donor. Your eligibility will be based on the reason that the medication was prescribed. As long as the condition is under control and you are healthy, blood donation is usually permitted.
Over-the-counter oral homeopathic medications, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements are acceptable. There are a handful of drugs that are of special significance in blood donation. Persons on these drugs have waiting periods following their last dose before they can donate blood:
Accutane, Amnesteem, Absorica, Claravis, Myorisan, Sotret or Zenatane (isotretinoin), Proscar (finasteride), and Propecia (finasteride) - wait 1 month from the last dose.
Avodart or Jalyn (dutasteride) - wait 6 months from the last dose.
Aspirin, no waiting period for donating whole blood. However you must wait 2 days (3 days if you donate in New York State) after taking aspirin or any medication containing aspirin before donating platelets by apheresis.
Effient (prasugrel) and Brilinta (ticagrelor)- no waiting period for donating whole blood. However you must wait 7 days after taking this medication before donating platelets by apheresis.
Feldene (piroxicam), no waiting period for donating whole blood. However you must wait 2 days after taking Feldene (piroxicam) before donating platelets by apheresis.
Arixtra (fondaparinux), Coumadin, Warfilone, Jantoven (warfarin) and Heparin, are prescription blood thinners- you should not donate since your blood will not clot normally. If your doctor discontinues your treatment with blood thinners, wait 7 days before returning to donate.
Fragmin (dalteparin), Eliquis (apixaban), Pradaxa (dabigatran),Savaysa (edoxaban), Xarelto (rivaroxaban),and Lovenox (enoxaparin) are also prescription blood thinners- you should not donate since your blood will not clot normally. If your doctor discontinues your treatment with these blood thinners, wait 2 days before returning to donate.
Other prescription blood thinners not listed, call [login to see] to speak with an eligibility specialist about your individual situation.
Hepatitis B Immune Globulin – given for exposure to hepatitis, wait 12 months after exposure to hepatitis.
Human pituitary-derived growth hormone at any time - you are not eligible to donate blood.
Plavix (clopidogrel), Ticlid (ticlopidine) and Zontivity (vorapaxar) - no waiting period for donating whole blood. However you must wait 14 days after taking this medication before donating platelets by apheresis.
Soriatane (acitretin) – wait 3 years.
Tegison (etretinate) at any time – you are not eligible to donate blood.
Erivedge (vismodegib) – wait 2 years.
Aubagio (teriflunomide) – wait 2 years.
Unable to Give Blood?
You can help people facing emergencies by making a financial donation to support the Red Cross’s greatest needs. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills. Make a financial gift today.
General Health Considerations
Allergy, Stuffy Nose, Itchy Eyes, Dry Cough
Acceptable as long as you feel well, have no fever, and have no problems breathing through your mouth.
Cold, Flu
Wait if you have a fever or a productive cough (bringing up phlegm)
Wait if you do not feel well on the day of donation.
Wait until you have completed antibiotic treatment for sinus, throat or lung infection.
Donation Intervals
Wait at least 8 weeks between whole blood (standard) donations.
Wait at least 7 days between platelet (pheresis) donations.
Wait at least 16 weeks between Power Red (automated) donations.
Weight/Height
You must weigh at least 110 lbs to be eligible for blood donation for your own safety. Students who donate at high school drives and donors 18 years of age or younger must also meet additional height and weight requirements for whole blood donation (applies to girls shorter than 5'6" and boys shorter than 5').
Blood volume is determined by body weight and height. Individuals with low blood volumes may not tolerate the removal of the required volume of blood given with whole blood donation. There is no upper weight limit as long as your weight is not higher than the weight limit of the donor bed/lounge you are using. You can discuss any upper weight limitations of beds and lounges with your local health historian.
Medical Conditions that Affect Eligibility
Allergies
Acceptable as long as you feel well, have no fever, and have no problems breathing through your mouth.
Asthma
Acceptable as long as you do not have any limitations on daily activities and are not having difficulty breathing at the time of donation and you otherwise feel well. Medications for asthma do not disqualify you from donating.
Bleeding Condition
If you have a history of bleeding problems, you will be asked additional questions. If your blood does not clot normally, you should not donate since you may have excessive bleeding where the needle was placed. For the same reason, you should not donate if you are taking any "blood thinner" such as:
Atrixa (fondaparinux)
Coumadin (warfarin)
Eliquis (apixaban)
Fragmin (dalteparin)
Heparin
Jantoven (warfarin)
Lovenox (enoxaparin)
Pradaxa (dabigatran)
Savaysa (edoxaban)
Warfilone (warfarin)
Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
If you are on aspirin, it is OK to donate whole blood. However, you must be off of aspirin for at least 2 days (3 days if you donate in New York state) in order to donate platelets by apheresis. Donors with clotting disorder from Factor V who are not on anticoagulants are eligible to donate; however, all others must be evaluated by the health historian at the collection center.
Blood Pressure (High or Low)
High Blood Pressure - Acceptable as long as your blood pressure is below 180 systolic (first number) and below 100 diastolic (second number) at the time of donation. Medications for high blood pressure do not disqualify you from donating.
Low Blood Pressure - Acceptable as long as you feel well when you come to donate, and your blood pressure is at least 90/50 (systolic/diastolic).
Cancer
Eligibility depends on the type of cancer and treatment history. If you had leukemia or lymphoma, including Hodgkin’s Disease and other cancers of the blood, you are not eligible to donate. Other types of cancer are acceptable if the cancer has been treated successfully and it has been more than 12 months since treatment was completed and there has been no cancer recurrence in this time. Lower risk in-situ cancers including squamous or basal cell cancers of the skin that have been completely removed do not require a 12 month waiting period.
Precancerous conditions of the uterine cervix do not disqualify you from donation if the abnormality has been treated successfully. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.
Chronic Illnesses
Most chronic illnesses are acceptable as long as you feel well, the condition is under control, and you meet all other eligibility requirements.
CJD, vCJD, Mad Cow Disease
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) If you ever received a dura mater (brain covering) transplant or human pituitary growth hormone, you are not eligible to donate. Those who have a blood relative who had Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are also not eligible to donate. Learn more about CJD.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Variant (vCJD); "Mad Cow Disease"
See under Travel Outside of U.S. Learn more about vCJD and blood donation.
Unable to Give Blood?
You can help people facing emergencies by making a financial donation to support the Red Cross’s greatest needs. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills. Make a financial gift today.
Diabetes
Diabetics who are well controlled on insulin or oral medications are eligible to donate.
Heart Disease
In general , acceptable as long as you have been medically evaluated and treated, have no current (within the last 6 months) heart related symptoms such as chest pain and have no limitations or restrictions on your normal daily activities.
Wait at least 6 months following an episode of angina.
Wait at least 6 months following a heart attack.
Wait at least 6 months after bypass surgery or angioplasty.
Wait at least 6 months after a change in your heart condition that resulted in a change to your medications
If you have a pacemaker, you may donate as long as your pulse is between 50 and 100 beats per minute and you meet the other heart disease criteria. You should discuss your particular situation with your personal healthcare provider and the health historian at the time of donation.
Heart Murmur, Heart Valve Disorder
Acceptable if you have a heart murmur as long as you have been medically evaluated and treated and have not had symptoms in the last 6 months, and have no restrictions on your normal daily activities.
Hemochromatosis (Hereditary)
American Red Cross does not accept individuals with hemochromatosis as blood donors.
Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Blood Count
In order to donate blood, a woman must have a hemoglobin level of at least 12.5 g/dL, and a man must have a hemoglobin level of at least 13.0 g/dL. For all donors, the hemoglobin level can be no greater than 20 g/dL.
Separate requirements for hemoglobin level apply for Power Red.
Hepatitis, Jaundice
If you have signs or symptoms of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) caused by a virus, or unexplained jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin), you are not eligible to donate blood. If you ever tested positive for hepatitis B or hepatitis C, at any age, you are not eligible to donate, even if you were never sick or jaundiced from the infection.
Hepatitis Exposure
If you live with or have had sexual contact with a person who has hepatitis, you must wait 12 months after the last contact.
Persons who have been detained or incarcerated in a facility (juvenile detention, lockup, jail, or prison) for more than 72 consecutive hours (3 days) are deferred for 12 months from the date of last occurrence. This includes work release programs and weekend incarceration. These persons are at higher risk for exposure to infectious diseases.
Wait 12 months after receiving a blood transfusion (unless it was your own "autologous" blood), non-sterile needle stick or exposure to someone else's blood.
HIV, AIDS
You should not give blood if you have AIDS or have ever had a positive HIV test, or if you have done something that puts you at risk for becoming infected with HIV.
You are at risk for getting infected if you:
have ever used needles to take any drugs, steroids, or anything not prescribed by your doctor
are a male who has had sexual contact with another male, in the last 12 months
have ever taken money, drugs or other payment for sex
have had sexual contact in the past 12 months with anyone described above
You should not give blood if you have any of the following conditions that can be signs or symptoms of HIV/AIDS:
Fever
Enlarged lymph glands
Sore throat
Rash
Hypertension, High Blood Pressure
See "Blood Pressure (High)"
Infections
If you have a fever or an active infection, wait until the infection has resolved completely before donating blood.
Wait until finished taking antibiotics for an infection (bacterial or viral). Wait 10 days after the last antibiotic injection for an infection.
Those who have had infections with Chagas Disease, Babesiosis or Leishmaniasis are not eligible to donate.
See also Antibiotics, Hepatitis, HIV, Syphilis/Gonorrhea, and Tuberculosis.
Malaria
Malaria is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes found in certain countries and may be transmitted to patients through blood transfusion. Blood donations are not tested for malaria because there is no sensitive blood test available for malaria.
If you have traveled or lived in a malaria-risk country, we may require a waiting period before you can donate blood.
Wait 3 years after completing treatment for malaria.
Wait 12 months after returning from a trip to an area where malaria is found.
Wait 3 years after living more than 5 years in a country or countries where malaria is found. An additional waiting period of 3 years may be required if you have traveled to an are where malaria is found if you have not lived a consecutive 3 years in a country or countries where malaria is not found.
If you have traveled outside of the United States and Canada, your travel destinations will be reviewed at the time of donation.
Please, come prepared to discuss your travel details when you donate. You may download the travel form and bring it with you to help in the assessment of your travel. You can call [login to see] to speak with an eligibility specialist about your travel.
If, in the past 3 years, you have been outside the United States or Canada:
What countries did you visit?
Where did you travel while in this country?
Did you leave the city or resort at any time? If yes, where did you go?
What mode of transportation did you use?
How long did you stay?
What date did you return to the U.S.?
Sexually Transmitted Disease
See Sexually Transmitted Diseases below.
Sickle Cell
Acceptable if you have sickle cell trait. Those with sickle cell disease are not eligible to donate.
Skin Disease, Rash, Acne
Acceptable as long as the skin over the vein to be used to collect blood is not affected. If the skin disease has become infected, wait until the infection has cleared before donating. Taking antibiotics to control acne does not disqualify you from donating.
Tuberculosis
If you have active tuberculosis or are being treated for active tuberculosis you should not donate. Acceptable if you have a positive skin test or blood test, but no active tuberculosis and are NOT taking antibiotics. If you are receiving antibiotics for a positive TB skin test or blood test only or if you are being treated for a tuberculosis infection, wait until treatment is successfully completed before donating.
Medical Treatments that Affect Eligibility
Acupuncture
Donors who have undergone acupuncture treatments are acceptable.
Blood Transfusion
Wait for 12 months after receiving a blood transfusion from another person in the United States.
You may not donate if you received a blood transfusion since 1980 in the United Kingdom or France (The United Kingdom consists of the following countries: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar or Falkland Islands). This requirement is related to concerns about variant CJD, or 'mad cow' disease. Learn more about variant CJD and blood donation.
Dental Procedures and Oral Surgery
Acceptable after dental procedures as long as there is no infection present. Wait until finishing antibiotics for a dental infection. Wait for 3 days after having oral surgery.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Women on hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms and prevention of osteoporosis are eligible to donate.
Organ/Tissue Transplants
Wait 12 months after receiving any type of organ transplant from another person. If you ever received a dura mater (brain covering) transplant, you are not eligible to donate. This requirement is related to concerns about the brain disease, Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease (CJD). Learn more about CJD and blood donation.
If you ever received a transplant of animal organs or of living animal tissue - you are not eligible to donate blood. Non-living animal tissues such as bone, tendon, or heart valves are acceptable.
Unable to Give Blood?
You can help people facing emergencies by making a financial donation to support the Red Cross’s greatest needs. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills. Make a financial gift today.
Surgery
It is not necessarily surgery but the underlying condition that precipitated the surgery that requires evaluation before donation. Evaluation is on a case by case basis. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.
Lifestyle and Life Events
Age
You must be at least 17 years old to donate to the general blood supply, or 16 years old with parental/guardian consent, if allowed by state law. Learn more about the reasons for a lower age limit. There is no upper age limit for blood donation as long as you are well with no restrictions or limitations to your activities.
Donor Deferral for Men Who Have Had Sex With Men (MSM)
On December 21, 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued final guidance for deferral criteria for men who have had sex with men (MSM). AABB, America's Blood Centers and the Red Cross support the FDA's decision to change the MSM blood donation policy from a lifetime deferral to a one-year deferral and additionally for the purposes of blood donation gender is self-identified and self-reported, which is relevant to the transgender community. This policy change aligns the MSM donor deferral period with those for other activities that may pose a similar risk of transfusion-transmissable infections.
First-time male donors may now be eligible to donate blood if they have not had sex with another man in more than 12 months. All additional blood donation eligibility criteria will apply.
Donors who were previously deferred under the prior MSM policy will be evaluated for reinstatement. It is important to understand that the donor reinstatement process involves potentially thousands of donors, and it will take time.
Individuals who have been deferred for MSM in the past may initiate donor reinstatement beginning January 2017 by contacting the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at [login to see] . Individuals with questions about their donation eligibility can contact the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at [login to see] . We appreciate the patience of our valued donors as we continue to diligently work to implement these changes so that more people can give blood for those in need.
More information about the FDA policy is available for LGBTQ+ donors.
Intravenous Drug Use
Those who have ever used IV drugs that were not prescribed by a physician are not eligible to donate. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis and HIV. Learn more about hepatitis and blood donation.
Piercing (ears, body), Electrolysis
Acceptable as long as the instruments used were single-use equipment. Wait 12 months if a piercing was performed using a reusable gun or any reusable instrument.
Wait 12 months if there is any question whether or not the instruments used were single-use equipment.. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. Learn more about hepatitis and blood donation.
Pregnancy, Nursing
Persons who are pregnant are not eligible to donate. Wait 6 weeks after giving birth.
Unable to Give Blood?
You can help people facing emergencies by making a financial donation to support the Red Cross’s greatest needs. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills. Make a financial gift today.
Tattoo
Wait 12 months after a tattoo if the tattoo was applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities. Currently, the only states that DO NOT regulate tattoo facilities are: District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wyoming. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. Learn more about hepatitis and blood donation.
A tattoo is acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. Cosmetic tattoos applied in a licensed establishment in a regulated state using sterile needles and ink that is not reused is acceptable. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.
Sexually Transmitted Disease
Wait 12 months after treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea.
Acceptable if it has been more than 12 months since you completed treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea.
Chlamydia, venereal warts (human papilloma virus), or genital herpes are not a cause for deferral if you are feeling healthy and well and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Venereal Diseases
Wait 12 months after treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea.
Chlamydia, venereal warts (human papilloma virus), or genital herpes are not a cause for deferral if you are feeling healthy and well and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Syphilis/Gonorrhea
Wait 12 months after treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea.
https://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements/eligibility-criteria-topic
FYI Maj William W. 'Bill' Price Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown 1stSgt Eugene Harless MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4"SCPO Morris Ramsey SGT Michael Thorin SGT (Join to see) SGT Robert George SGT John " Mac " McConnell SP5 Mark Kuzinski SP5 Robert Ruck SP5 Dave (Shotgun) Shockley SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright Maj Marty Hogan CPL Craig Cheltenham
Blood Donor Eligibility: Medications & Health | American Red Cross
Learn about the eligibility requirements for blood donors, including age restrictions, medication restrictions health requirements and more.
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LTC Stephen F.
Thanks for letting us know that you also are restricted from donating blood Maj Robert Thornton because you were stationed in the UK between 1981 and 1996.
Whereas in this country "Rules governing who can donate blood in the United States have recently changed. But anyone who spent more than three months in the UK between 1980 and 1996 is still prohibited from donating."
According to the British Health Service:
"So who can give blood?
The majority of the British population is able to donate blood, says the NHS [National Health Service]. As long as the donor is fit and healthy, weighs over 7st 12lb (50kg) and is between 17 and 66, they are typically allowed to give blood. Male donors are allowed to donate about 470ml (just under a pint) every three months and women at four month intervals.
And who can't?
There are several exceptions. As well as those with existing medical conditions, the following people may not be allowed to donate blood:
1. Anyone who has travelled to certain countries outside of the UK within the past six months
2. Anyone who has had a tattoo, piercing or acupuncture in the past four months
3. Men who have had sex with men (with or without a condom) in the last three months
4. Anyone who has had sex with a sex worker in the last year
5. Anyone who has sex with someone who has been sexually active in parts of the world where Aids/HIV is very common in the last year
6. Anyone on antibiotics
7. Pregnant women and anyone receiving IVF treatment
8. Anyone who has been to the dentist in the last week"
http://www.theweek.co.uk/63895/giving-blood-who-is-and-who-isnt-allowed-to-donate
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi LTC (Join to see) LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Capt Seid Waddell Capt Jeff S. CPT Jack Durish MSG Dan Walther MSgt Robert C Aldi SFC Stephen King MSgt Danny Hope SGT Gregory Lawritson Cpl Craig Marton SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT (Join to see) Maj Marty Hogan
Whereas in this country "Rules governing who can donate blood in the United States have recently changed. But anyone who spent more than three months in the UK between 1980 and 1996 is still prohibited from donating."
According to the British Health Service:
"So who can give blood?
The majority of the British population is able to donate blood, says the NHS [National Health Service]. As long as the donor is fit and healthy, weighs over 7st 12lb (50kg) and is between 17 and 66, they are typically allowed to give blood. Male donors are allowed to donate about 470ml (just under a pint) every three months and women at four month intervals.
And who can't?
There are several exceptions. As well as those with existing medical conditions, the following people may not be allowed to donate blood:
1. Anyone who has travelled to certain countries outside of the UK within the past six months
2. Anyone who has had a tattoo, piercing or acupuncture in the past four months
3. Men who have had sex with men (with or without a condom) in the last three months
4. Anyone who has had sex with a sex worker in the last year
5. Anyone who has sex with someone who has been sexually active in parts of the world where Aids/HIV is very common in the last year
6. Anyone on antibiotics
7. Pregnant women and anyone receiving IVF treatment
8. Anyone who has been to the dentist in the last week"
http://www.theweek.co.uk/63895/giving-blood-who-is-and-who-isnt-allowed-to-donate
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi LTC (Join to see) LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Capt Seid Waddell Capt Jeff S. CPT Jack Durish MSG Dan Walther MSgt Robert C Aldi SFC Stephen King MSgt Danny Hope SGT Gregory Lawritson Cpl Craig Marton SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT (Join to see) Maj Marty Hogan
Blood donation: who is and isn’t allowed to give?
The NHS warns that blood donation levels are worrying low, but are their donor restrictions too extensive?
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Maj Robert Thornton
LTC Ford, my family and I definitely fall in the time period, I was at RAG Upper Heyford from Summer of 1988- Summer of 1992.
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LTC Stephen F.
I am glad to learn that even though you were restricted from donating blood because of parasites you were exposed to in Vietnam SSG Edward Tilton you are now able to donate blood.
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT (Join to see) Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. CPL Dave Hoover SGT Mark Halmrast SrA Christopher Wright
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT (Join to see) Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. CPL Dave Hoover SGT Mark Halmrast SrA Christopher Wright
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No infections, but due to being anemic I have never been able to donate blood.
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LTC Stephen F.
Thanks for letting us know that the sad news that you also are restricted from donating blood PO1 (Join to see) because you are anemic.
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT (Join to see) Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. CPL Dave Hoover SGT Mark Halmrast SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT (Join to see) Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. CPL Dave Hoover SGT Mark Halmrast SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright
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LTC Stephen F.
Thanks Sgt Wayne Wood for sharing the sad news that you to are restricted from donating blood based on your exposure to Malaria and TB.
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT (Join to see) Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. CPL Dave Hoover SGT Mark Halmrast SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT (Join to see) Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. CPL Dave Hoover SGT Mark Halmrast SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright
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