Which Blood Cannot Be Donated?

Blood containing certain infections or conditions cannot be donated. This ensures the safety of both the recipient and the donor. Several factors permanently or temporarily disqualify individuals from donating blood.

• Hepatitis B or C: Individuals who have ever tested positive for hepatitis B or C, regardless of symptoms or illness, are permanently ineligible. This is crucial because these viruses can be transmitted through blood transfusion. [Reference: 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.]

• Specific Cancers: Many types of cancer can lead to permanent ineligibility. This is determined on a case-by-case basis, considering the type and stage of cancer, as well as treatment received. [Reference: have had most types of cancer]

• Certain Heart Conditions: Some heart conditions may permanently prevent blood donation. Eligibility depends on the specific condition and its severity. [Reference: have some heart conditions]

Temporary Ineligibility

Several conditions result in temporary ineligibility, meaning you can donate after a certain period:

• Recent Infections: Individuals with colds, flu, sore throats, or other infections are temporarily ineligible until they recover. [Reference: You cannot donate if you have a cold, flu, sore throat, cold sore, stomach bug or any other infection.]
• Recent Tattoos or Piercings: Recent tattoos or piercings often lead to temporary ineligibility, usually for a period of 3 months. This varies by state and donation center. [Reference: You cannot donate blood if you got a tattoo or piercing in the last 3 months in some states.]
• Medication: Certain medications, such as some pain relievers, can temporarily disqualify individuals. For example, individuals using narcotic pain relievers cannot donate. [Reference: You cannot donate while taking narcotics to relieve pain.]
• Recent Blood Transfusion or Blood Products: Receiving blood, platelets, plasma or other blood products recently makes you temporarily ineligible to donate. The deferral period varies depending on the product received. [Reference: have received blood, platelets, plasma or any other blood products after 1]
• High-Risk Behaviors: Individuals engaging in high-risk behaviors (sex work, intravenous drug use) are temporarily deferred to protect the safety of the blood supply. [Reference: Non-prescription injection drug use, Engaged in sex for money or drugs, New sexual partner or]

Age and other Requirements

Additional factors affecting eligibility include minimum age requirements (often 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent), meeting weight and height requirements, and overall good health. [References: 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., To become a blood donor in Canada you must be at least 17 years old and meet our minimum height and weight requirements, particularly if you are between 17 and]

It is essential to check with your local blood donation center for the most up-to-date and specific eligibility requirements. The information provided here is general and may not reflect all specific regulations or policies.