Despite many recent restrictions on blood donation, 60 percent of the U.S. population is still eligible. On average, only 5 percent of those give blood once or more per year. You must:
Weigh at least 105 for partial pint, or 110 pounds for full pint.
Be at least 17 years old (there is no upper limit).
Not have given blood in the past eight weeks.
You can donate even if you are nursing.
You cannot donate blood if you:
Have had hepatitis (not including childhood exposure).
Are pregnant (although you can donate six weeks after pregnancy).
Have ever tested positive for HIV, have engaged in high-risk behavior, or have had intimate contact with anyone at risk for AIDS.
Have babesiosis, chagas disease, sickle cell disease or some other chronic diseases.
Have had a blood transfusion since 1980 in the United Kingdom, Gibraltar or the Falkland Islands.
You may be temporarily unable to donate if you:
Have the flu, a sore throat or fever.
Are taking antibiotics for an infection.
Received a tattoo, had your ears or another body part pierced, or experienced an accidental "needle stick" injury in the last 12 months.
Have had heart problems.
Received a blood transfusion in the past 12 months.
Have been recently vaccinated. Flu shots do not disqualify you from donating.
Have had a history of cancer (except skin cancer).
Lived in or traveled to a malaria area.
Have recently had sexually transmitted disease or mononucleosis.
Have taken various illegal drugs, such as cocaine.
To find a blood drive near you
The Central Blood Bank, call 412-209-7000 or 1-800-310-9551 or visit www.centralbloodbank.org
The local American Red Cross, call 1-800-993-6667 or visit www.redcrosslife.org.
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