What conditions disqualify you from donating blood?
Asked by Patricia Lowe of Boston, Massachusetts, USA Some people are disqualified from donating blood because they have diseases that are transmissible via blood. Other potential donors are disqualified because their conditions could endanger themselves. According to the American Red Cross: • Being positive for the AIDS or hepatitis viruses rules one out as a blood donor. • Individuals who have had ear, tongue, or other body part piercing are allowed to donate blood as long as the needle used in the piercing was sterile. If it was not or if this is unknown, the potential donor must wait 12 months from the time of the piercing. • Being imprisoned rules one out as a blood donor. • Being in the US military and serving in Iraq or Afghanistan rules one out as a blood donor for one year. • A person with diabetes is allowed to donate blood. Insulin dependent diabetics are allowed to donate blood as long as their insulin syringe, if reused, is used only by them. • Being deferred from travel to
