What To Expect When Donating Blood

Who Cannot Donate Blood

Individuals with anemia are not allowed to donate. Patients with cardiovascular conditions, hypertension, diabetes, or cancer may not be able to donate. These cases will be assessed on an individual basis. The use of certain anticoagulants could make an individual ineligible to donate. In addition, hemoglobin is vital when determining who cannot donate blood. Women cannot donate if their hemoglobin is less than twelve grams per deciliter, and men cannot donate if theirs is less than thirteen grams per deciliter. This level is important, as hemoglobin is where the body holds approximately seventy percent of its iron. Certain behaviors make individuals ineligible to donate blood. They cannot donate at any time if they have tested postive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or injected recreational drugs.

Learn about what individuals should do before donating next.