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What will disqualify you from donating blood?

Understanding Blood Donation Disqualifications
Donating blood is a noble act that can save lives, but not everyone is eligible to contribute. Various factors can disqualify individuals from donating blood, ranging from medical conditions to lifestyle choices. Understanding these disqualifications is crucial for potential donors who wish to help others.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can lead to either temporary or permanent disqualification from donating blood. For instance, individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, or autoimmune disorders may be deemed ineligible. Additionally, those with blood disorders like hemophilia or sickle cell disease are typically unable to donate due to the risks involved in the donation process.
Moreover, infectious diseases pose a significant barrier. Individuals who have had recent infections, such as hepatitis or HIV, are permanently disqualified from donating blood. Even conditions like the flu or a cold can temporarily defer a person from donating until they have fully recovered.
Medications
The use of certain medications can also impact eligibility. For example, individuals taking blood thinners or immune suppressants may be disqualified due to the potential effects on blood clotting and overall health. It’s essential for potential donors to disclose their medication history during the screening process, as some medications may require a waiting period before one can donate.
Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle choices can also influence blood donation eligibility. Engaging in high-risk behaviors, such as intravenous drug use or having multiple sexual partners without protection, can lead to disqualification due to the increased risk of transmitting infections. Additionally, recent travel to certain countries where diseases like malaria are prevalent may temporarily defer a donor.
Health Metrics
Blood pressure and overall health metrics are critical during the screening process. For instance, potential donors must have a blood pressure reading below 180 systolic and 100 diastolic at the time of donation. Those with elevated blood pressure, even if controlled by medication, may be temporarily disqualified.
Conclusion
In summary, while the desire to donate blood is commendable, various factors can disqualify individuals from doing so. Medical conditions, medications, lifestyle choices, and health metrics all play a role in determining eligibility. It is vital for potential donors to be aware of these disqualifications and to communicate openly with healthcare providers during the donation process. By understanding these criteria, individuals can better prepare themselves for a successful donation experience, ultimately contributing to the vital supply of blood needed to save lives.

How to get disqualified from donating blood?

Some Conditions That Disqualify People From Donating Blood

  1. Non-prescription injection drug use.
  2. Engaged in sex for money or drugs.
  3. New sexual partner or more than one sexual partner in the last 3 months and engaged in anal sex in the last 3 months.
  4. Sexual contact with a person who has ever had a positive HIV test.

What medications disqualify you from donating blood?

The following medications will prevent you from donating blood:

  • Accutane.
  • Antibiotics *Donors who are taking antibiotics are eligible to donate 24 hours after their last dose.
  • Anti-Platelet Medications.
  • Avodart.
  • Blood thinners (such as Coumadin, Heparin, Lovenox, Warfarin)
  • Bovine insulin.
  • Hepatitis B Immune Globulin.

Why was I deferred from donating blood?

People may be deferred from donation if they have a history of cancer, bleeding conditions or blood disease. Potential donors should contact their local blood collector to discuss their eligibility.

What reasons can you not donate blood?

Health conditions: People with certain diseases or health conditions (e.g., sickle cell disease, HIV, cancer, malaria) may need to consult with their donation center to discuss eligibility. Additionally, you are not eligible to donate if you received a blood transfusion in the last 3 months.

Why would you be rejected from giving blood?

Activities include: Nonprescription injection drug use. Engagement in sex for money or drugs. New sexual partner or more than one sexual partner in the last 3 months and engaged in anal sex in the last 3 months.

Can you donate blood if you take anxiety medication?

Usually yes, as long as you’re well and have no side effects from the medication.

What medical conditions disqualify you from donating plasma?

Health is a priority when it comes to donating plasma. If you’ve been diagnosed with AIDS or have had a positive HIV test, or tested positive for Hepatitis B or C, we can’t accept your donation. It is possible that you may test positive for other viruses that could cause you to be ineligible to donate.

What excludes a person from donating blood?

Please do not give blood if you:

  • Have ever had a positive test for HIV (AIDS virus)
  • Are a hemophiliac.
  • Had viral hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
  • Had certain forms of cancer (contact us regarding medical eligibility at 800.688. 0900)

What is the condition that you Cannot donate blood?

Some Conditions That Disqualify People From Donating Blood

Condition Permanent or Temporary Disqualification
Hepatitis B or C infection Permanent
Hepatitis, exposure to Temporary
High blood pressure Temporary
Possible exposure to prion diseases, such as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (also called mad cow disease) Permanent

What is the rarest blood type?

Of the eight main blood types, AB- is the least common, but the rarest type of all is Rhnull, where a person has no Rh antibodies in their blood. Having a rare blood type makes it more difficult for a person to receive a blood transfusion.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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