What are the rules about who can donate?
You can read most of the donor eligibility guidelines in advance at: http://www.redcross.org/services/biomed/0,1082,0_557_,00.html Remember, the blood donation center you go to may have more rules or some different rules. Here are a few of the commonly asked about eligibility rules: You must be at least 17 years old to donate to the general blood supply. (This is the rule in California where this website is written and in most other states, although a few allow it at age 16.) In most states you must weigh 110 pounds. Women taking birth control pills are acceptable. Wait 12 months following a human bite, if it broke the skin. In almost all cases, medications will not disqualify you as a blood donor. Your eligibility will be based on the reason that the medication was prescribed. As long as the condition is under control and you are healthy, blood donation is usually permitted. Some exceptions include: Wait 2 days after finishing antibiotics for an infection (bacterial or viral). Accepta
