How can I find out if I am eligible to donate blood?

Anyone know of a good website that I could go to find out that includes what diseases and medications might disqualify one from donating blood?

Thanks!

Red Cross the link will tell you where and when, and what you need to know...

https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html

https://www.redcrossblood.org/...ty-requirements.html

call the man.
.
.
.
.

.
they will ask you questions
it's just that easy

https://www.redcross.org/local/illinois.html

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
Red Cross the link will tell you where and when, and what you need to know...

https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html

https://www.redcrossblood.org/...ty-requirements.html

Thanks! Much appreciated.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: grumpy1,

Many of us old guys don't have blood, we have toxic waste. Anyone so bad off to want my blood is already nearly dead. But if he/she is that bad off, they maybe could skip today's meds.

I found out by just walking into my local blood bank. They do a screening right then and there. They also prick my finger every time to check iron level.

Most anyone is eligible unless you have a few certain issues with your blood/immune system.

Go to the donation center, and they will evaluate you and your potential issues. Worth the time and minimal effort

I was told no, because of time spent in Germany. A risk of mad cow they said

Depending on exactly where in Northern Illinois - https://vitalant.org is another organization. The centers around me affiliated with them a couple of years ago.

They sent me a letter years ago telling me to stop donating because mine is useless to them for any purpose due to atypical red cell antibodies.

quote:

Originally posted by BigSwede:
I was told no, because of time spent in Germany. A risk of mad cow they said

I'm pretty sure they recently did away with a lot of the mad-cow restrictions for people who lived in certain parts of Europe. I also couldn't donate for the same reason, but a friend told me they changed the rules. I haven't verified, but I'll check during our next blood drive.

If you are not sure then check out any major hospitals that might be in your area if they have a blood bank that might have a family ?/group donation plan that would cover members need. Previously was in such a group. ........................... drill sgt.

I’m a 26 gallon donor over 30 years.

Find your local blood bank. Even as a newbie, the pre-screening won’t take long. In fact, they’ll probably schedule an appointment.

Depending upon your health and vigor, you may be eligible for other types of donation (plasma, platelets and red blood cells).

Up until recent possible exceptions, I am not permitted to give blood because of business travel.

I went through the whole computer application questionnaire and towards the end got rejected because I had travelled to India within the prior 5 or 10 years, whatever the limit was.

I have been to India in 2013, 2015, and 2017. So at that rate I would never be allowed to give blood. I think this is changing now though...

I have lived in my state now for 8 years. When I 1st moved here there was a Red Cross donation center next to the Whole Foods my husband shops at. I am O- so like to donate as much as possible. It was great, no appointment needed, could just walk in & I never had to wait. Then after about 2 yrs it closed. Ok, I can just schedule an appointment at a blood drive. Some of the blood drives are not in locations that I find desirable at all. Then it started taking over 2 hours to donate even with an appointment, then even when I check online for appointments it seems there are not as many drives going on so the appointment times get filled up quick. I only get my next week's schedule on the Thur before so by time I know what day I can donate, all the appointments are taken. So I haven't donated in over a year now. It use to be so convenient.

quote:

Originally posted by grumpy1:

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
Red Cross the link will tell you where and when, and what you need to know...

https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html

https://www.redcrossblood.org/...ty-requirements.html

Thanks! Much appreciated.

Dang, it looks like I am not eligible.

quote:

Originally posted by BigSwede:
I was told no, because of time spent in Germany. A risk of mad cow they said

Ditto, except I was working in London. I asked, “Didn’t they have a test?” The response was, “Yes, but it is a post mortem test.” “Never mind, I’m not that anxious to donate.”

If your b.pressure is too high, they will send you packing ,as well