Are You Ready to Donate?
To ensure the safety and reliability of the blood supply as well as the comfort and safety of the generous donors who give, Memorial Blood Centers has established guidelines governing eligibility for blood donation, incorporating regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While some restrictions may temporarily defer you from making a blood donation, we encourage you to find out more. Let us help you determine your eligibility—whether you have questions about recent travel, medications you are taking, or a current medical condition.
To verify eligibility or for detailed information about safety restrictions governing blood donations, please contact Memorial Blood Centers at 1-888-GIVE-BLD (888-448-3253) prior to making an appointment.
Donating blood is safe and convenient when you are:
- In good health
- 17 years or older—16 with written Parental Consent (PDF)
- Weigh at least 110 pounds*
- Free of antibiotics for 24 hours, unless taken for preventative reasons
- Symptom-free for at least 72 hours following a cold or flu
*There are specific height and weight restrictions for 16-18 year-old female donors. Call 1-888-GIVE-BLD for details.
Infectious disease testing is performed for the safety of the blood supply. Please do not donate blood as a means of screening for any infection or condition.
Restrictions
There are specific height and weight requirements for 16-18 year-old female donors. Learn more about Height and Weight Requirements.
Medical-related restrictions may include: uncontrolled hypertension; recent history of cancer, leukemia, or lymphoma; as well as risk of exposure to hepatitis, HIV, or AIDS;
- There is a one-week (7 day) deferral period from the date a donor receives a tattoo or body art at a licensed establishment in the State of Minnesota or in another state that regulates such establishments and/or technicians. A 12-month deferral remains in effect for donors who receive tattoos or body art at a non-licensed establishment.
- International travel may temporarily or permanently defer you from donating if you have:
- Traveled to areas endemic for malaria
- Lived in a malaria-endemic area
- Spent 3 months or more in the United Kingdom from 1980-1996
- Spent 6 months or more associated with a military base in Belgium, the Netherlands, or Germany from 1980-1990
- Spent 6 months or more associated with a military base in Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Italy, or Greece from 1980-1996
- Spent five years or more in Europe from 1980 to the present
- There is a 12-month deferral period for men who have had sex with other men from the date of last sexual contact.
- Do not donate blood if you have AIDS, have ever had a positive HIV test, or are at risk for HIV/AIDS. Additional information about donor restrictions can be found here.
Please note: The information provided here covers general guidelines established by Memorial Blood Centers and the Food and Drug Administration. Conditions and restrictions governing blood safety and blood donation may change at any time. Please contact Memorial Blood Centers at 1-888-GIVE-BLD (888-448-3253) to verify eligibility prior to making an appointment.
Blood Donation Downloads
- Blood Donor Education Materials*
- Medication Deferral List*
- Height and Weight Requirements*
- 16 Year Old Consent Form
- List of Countries in Europe and the U.K.*