How often can you give blood?

How often can you give blood?

We’re here to clear up some questions about this altruistic act on World Blood Donor Day.

Donating blood is a simple, caring and selfless act that can save or improve the lives of thousands of people in need of a transfusion.

To mark World Blood Donor Day (14 June), we’d like to shed some light on the questions that may come up when you decide to take the plunge and donate, as well as remind you that regular donations are required to guarantee a constant supply.

How often can you give blood?

According to the Red Cross, you have to wait at least two months between donations.

Men can donate up to four times a year, women three. This difference is due to the blood that women lose through menstruation.

Donor requirements

  • Be over 18 years of age.
  • Weigh more than 50 kg (110 lbs).
  • Be in good health and feelign well.
  • Don’t have an empty tummy.
  • Have your national ID card with you.

Temporarily, you can’t donate blood if…

You’ve had surgery (if minor, wait a week; if major, wait 4 months).

Have recently had a fever (wait 2 weeks).

Have recently been vaccinated (wait 24 hours for flue or allergy; 28 days for chicken pox or measles).

Have been abroad (check the specific requirements for your case, since there may be temporary health alerts for the place you travelled to).

You’ve gotten tattoos, piercings, acupunture, etc. (wait 4 months).

You’re a woman and you’re pregnant (up to 6 months after delivery or miscarraige).

You can’t give blood if…

  • You have hepatitis B (even if you’re cured), Hepatitis C or HIV.
  • You’re an insulin-dependent diabetic.
  • You’re epileptic and receiving treatment (up to 3 years without treatment).
  • You have a serious illness.

Giving blood means giving the gift of life. If you’re in the “giving vein”, don’t wait any longer. 😉

Sources:

How Often Can You Give Blood? Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — By James Roland on December 10, 2019.

World Blood Donor Day. World Health Organization.

Todo sobre la donación de sangre. Cruz Roja.

This post is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)