Plus Other Guidelines for Donation, The Best Foods to Eat Before Donating Blood, Why Its Safe to Receive Blood from Donors Whove Been Vaccinated for COVID-19, any lesions or infected cold sores are dry and healed or close to healed, you wait at least 48 hours after finishing a round of antiviral treatments. Donated red blood cells can be stored for use for up to 42 days. Last updated on March 7, 2022. In Florida you can donate whole blood every 56 days, at minimum. Can You Donate Blood If You Use Cannabis? - Red Cross Blood If your doctor discontinues your treatment with these blood thinners, wait 2 days before returning to donate. Come prepared to your donation process with your travel details when you donate. The Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program, along with other blood donor centers, is experiencing the effects of a nationwide blood shortage. Can have taken last pill on the date of donation. In general, people with well-managed or controlled diabetes can donate blood. Teriflunomide treats relapsing multiple sclerosis. Most chronic illnesses are acceptable as long as you feel well, the condition is under control, and you meet all other eligibility requirements. But there are some rules you'll need to follow before you donate your blood after getting the jab. If your blood does not clot normally, you can not donate since you may have excessive bleeding where the needle was placed. If you get a nonreplicating, inactivated or mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, you can donate blood without a waiting period. What medications disqualify you from donating blood/plasma? Double red cell donors may donate as often as every 168 days. But there are a few precautions you should keep in mind. In-Depth Discussion of Age and Blood Donation, Those younger than age 17 are almost always legal minors (not yet of the age of majority) who cannot give consent by themselves to donate blood. Finasteride and dutasteride Proscar and Propecia are both brand-name medications that contain finasteride. Discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation. You have not donated blood in the past 56 days. All rights reserved. Contact your blood donation center if you develop COVID-19 symptoms after youve given blood. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Women on hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms and prevention of osteoporosis are eligible to donate. However, you must wait 2 full days after taking aspirin or any medication containing aspirin before donating platelets by apheresis. Return visits can take about 90 minutes and may be quicker. These high-risk groups include: Your medical record is viewed only as needed by Mayo Clinic Blood Program nurses and physicians. But if youve had the COVID-19 vaccine, the FDA allows you to give convalescent plasma only within 6 months of your initial COVID-19 infection. Just as with blood donation, you dont have to wait to give platelets or plasma after youve had your COVID-19 vaccine as long as you know the vaccine manufacturer. If youve taken them in the past, you can never donate blood: The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Talk with your health care provider before starting or stopping any medications. Taking certain medications may exclude you from donating blood, platelets or plasma. The truth is that most people with tattoos can donate blood, as long as they do not have certain . Can I Donate Blood? Blood Donor Eligibility Requirements Resistant strains of HSV and VZV have been reported. If you take these drugs and donate blood, you may experience excessive bleeding and bruising. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Do not give blood if you have AIDS or have ever had a positive HIV test, or if you have done something that puts you at risk for becoming infected with HIV. Acceptable if you have a heart murmur as long as you have been medically evaluated and treated and have not had symptoms in the last 6 months and have no restrictions on your normal daily activities. Human cadaveric pituitary-derived hGH was available in the U.S. from 1958 to 1985. In some countries, regular donors over the age of 65 may be accepted at the discretion of the responsible physician. Before donating, eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water. Wait 3 months if there is any question whether or not the instruments used were single-use equipment. Clicking on links above and printing the forms, Calling the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program at, Obtaining copies at one of the donation center locations or a mobile blood drive, Anyone who has used injected drugs, steroids or another substance not prescribed by a doctor in the past three months, Men who have had sexual contact with other men in the past three months, Anyone who has a congenital coagulation factor deficiency, Anyone who has engaged in sex for money or drugs in the past three months, Anyone who, in the past 12 months, has had close contact with lived with or had sexual contact with a person who has viral hepatitis, Anyone who has had babesiosis, a rare and severe tick-borne disease, or the parasitic infection Chagas' disease. Can You Donate Plasma if You Are Taking Antibiotics? - DoNotPay Valacyclovir: 7 things you should know - Drugs.com By starting to give when you are young and donating throughout your life, you may save thousands of lives. A donor with an acute infection can not donate. You are at risk for getting infected if you: Do not give blood if you have any of the following conditions that can be signs or symptoms of HIV/AIDS. Wait at least 6 months after bypass surgery or angioplasty. Monkeypox infection or exposure, wait a minimum of 21 days, then contact the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276 to discuss your particular situation to determine if you can donate. Antibiotic by injection for an infection acceptable 10 days after last injection. Donating Blood With Diabetes: Who Can and Can't? Best started within 24-48 hours of symptom onset. Blood donation frequently asked questions - Mayo Clinic Considervolunteeringorhosting a blood drivethrough the Red Cross. Wait 6 weeks after giving birth. If you have recurring cold sores, initiate treatment as soon as possible following the onset of symptoms (tingling, burning, or itching). This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis and HIV. Anyone who has risk factors for the degenerative brain disorder Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), Anyone who spent three months or more in the United Kingdom from 1980 through 1996, Anyone who received a blood transfusion in the United Kingdom or France from 1980 to the present, Anyone who has spent time that adds up to five years or more in France or Ireland from 1980 to 2001. Available for Android and iOS devices. Those who have had infections with Chagas Disease or Leishmaniasis are not eligible to donate. Donation is acceptable after routine teeth cleaning or dental work. Individuals with questions about their donation eligibility can contact the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276. Elderly people may be more sensitive to some of the side effects of valacyclovir. You may be eligible to donate, depending on your condition. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Anticoagulants Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, prevent blood from clotting. Blood typing is a test that determines a persons blood type, and it's key if you need a blood transfusion or are planning to donate blood. Please keep in mind that donor eligibility and ability to donate can change over time. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). For example, you can donate platelets every 7 days for up to 24 times a year, and you need to be at least 17 years old. Guide to Donating Blood During Coronavirus: Who Can Donate - Health Whether you can donate blood if you have HPV isnt conclusive. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with valacyclovir. According to American Red Cross guidelines, people can donate blood as long as their blood pressure is between 90/50 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and 80/100 mm Hg. Can You Donate Blood If You Smoke? Cannabis, Nicotine & More Our scientists pursue every aspect of cancer researchfrom exploring the biology of genes and cells, to developing immune-based treatments, uncovering the causes of metastasis, and more. Valacyclovir. Some medications affect your eligibility as a blood donor, for the following reasons: Experimental Medication or Unlicensed (Experimental) Vaccine is usually associated with a research study, and the effect on the safety of transfused blood is unknown. Select the title or plus symbol below to view content. In children aged less than 12, diarrhea, fever, dehydration, cold sores, and a runny nose are more commonly reported. Evaluation is on a case by case basis. Can you donate blood if you have a tattoo? Timeline and more The Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program doesn't test blood donors for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Cellcept (mycophenolate mofetil) an immunosuppressant wait 6 weeks. While giving blood, you might access wireless internet or watch television or a movie to keep your mind occupied. Approved to treat cold sores in children aged older than 12 and for the treatment of chickenpox in children aged two to 18 years. Common medications that may interact with valacyclovir include: Alcohol should be avoided while taking valacyclovir because it weakens the immune system and may exacerbate the side effects of valacyclovir. Anyone who has taken the psoriasis medication etretinate (Tegison), which has been discontinued in the U.S. If you have treated yourself for genital herpes and it recurs, then seek retreatment as soon as possible. What medications disqualify you from donating blood/plasma? - Drugs.com If you have a history of bleeding problems, you will be asked additional questions. Tegison (etretinate) at any time you are not eligible to donate blood. Each whole blood donation may help as many as three people. Acyclovir also passes into breastmilk. If your doctor discontinues your treatment with blood thinners, wait 7 days before returning to donate. Dont donate if you have: If you have side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, wait until they go away. At Mayo Clinic donor centers, you'll have access to wireless internet, a television and movies during the donation process. Our highly-specialized educational programs shape leaders to be at the forefront of cancer care and research. Talk to your doctor if youre not sure whether its OK to donate blood if you have HPV. Still not sure if you can donate blood because of another limitation or condition? Age. Although valacyclovir treats viruses, it is not effective against the flu or the common cold. This results in concentrations in the body that are comparable to those achieved with IV acyclovir. These drugs are used to treat or prevent blood clots and prevent strokes. An additional waiting period of 3 years is required if you have traveled to an area where malaria is found if you have not lived a consecutive 3 years in a country or countries where malaria is not found. Valacyclovir is an oral tablet that only needs to be taken twice daily, compared to five times daily for acyclovir. People may need blood when they have surgery, cancer treatment, or transfusions for blood loss from injuries or accidents. Wait until finished taking oral antibiotics for an infection (bacterial or viral). You can also donate blood if you have: Asthma if it's well treated, with no current shortness of breath Diabetes if it's well treated with diet and/or medications Wait until theyre dry and healed. 4.Can you donate blood with a cold? Not have taken medication, herbal supplements or traditional herbal remedies for at least 3 days. If you have been diagnosed with vCJD, CJD or any other TSE or have a blood relative diagnosed with genetic CJD (e.g., fCJD, GSS, or FFI) you cannot donate. If you have a pacemaker, you can donate as long as your pulse is between 50 and 100 beats per minute and you meet the other heart disease criteria. Blood collection agencies have taken several steps to ensure both employees and donors are safe during the donation process. Amnesteem, Absorica, Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane (. This distinguishes it from Zostavax, the live shingles vaccine, which is given as a single dose (shot) and requires a 4-week deferral. Last medically reviewed on April 21, 2020, One donation can save as many as three lives. Vitalant - Blood Donation Requirements | Vitalant Will Giving Blood Reduce My COVID-19 Antibodies? Does not appear to have any clinically significant drug-drug or drug-food interactions. Acceptable as long as the instruments used were single-use equipment and disposable (which means both the gun and the earring cassette were disposable). Double red cell donation takes about 30 minutes longer than a whole blood donation. If you have a fever or an active infection, wait until the infection has resolved completely before donating blood. Give Plasma | HHS.gov Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation. If you live with or have had sexual contact with a person who has hepatitis, you must wait 12 months after the last contact. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Common medications such as those used to control blood pressure, birth control pills and over-the-counter medications do not affect your eligibility. But the benefits of donating blood arent, Discover whether you can donate blood if you have a tattoo. Travel to some countries may make you ineligible to donate blood for varying periods of time, depending on whether certain diseases, such as malaria, are common in the country visited. Acceptable if you were vaccinated with SHINGRIX (shingles vaccine) providing you are symptom-free and fever-free. If you aren't sure what type of vaccine you got, wait 14 days before donating blood. Get in touch with a local organization like a nonprofit or charity that coordinates blood donations in your area. Treatment may last from one to 14 days depending on the condition being treated and the immunocompetency of the person being treated. Forbes added that donating blood after getting a shot will not impact the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. Acceptable if you have sickle cell trait. It may help to not watch the needle as it is inserted, and you don't have to see the blood. Students who donate at high school drives and donors 18 years of age or younger must also meet additional height and weight requirements for whole blood donation (applies to girls shorter than 5'5" and boys shorter than 5'). The length of time you must wait to donate will depend on the requirements of the plasma donation site and the type of antibiotic. Yes. If you have traveled or lived in a malaria-risk country, a waiting period is required before you can donate blood. Wait 21 days after immunization for hepatitis B as long as you are not given the immunization for exposure to hepatitis B. But there are some rules youll need to follow before you donate your blood after getting the jab. Acceptable as long as your pulse is no more than 100 and no less than 50. Getting a tattoo or piercing recently from a licensed establishment does not make you ineligible to donate blood. Can You Donate Blood If You Have High Blood Pressure? - MSN Please, come prepared to discuss your travel details when you donate. If you received an injection of cadaveric pituitary human growth hormone (hGH) you cannot donate. The following tables list common medications that may prevent you from donating, at least temporarily. However you must wait 14 days after taking this medication before donating platelets by apheresis. Be 17 years of age or older, or 16 with parental consent. Rarely, may cause side effects such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion, or seizures. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills. Blood donation is a simple act that can save lives. Acceptable as long as you feel well, have no fever, and have no problems breathing through your mouth. Discard any unused portion after 28 days. Donating blood after getting the COVID-19 vaccine - WPTV Other prescription blood thinners not listed, call 866-236-3276 to speak with an eligibility specialist about your individual situation. Most common medications, such as ones used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or depression are all ok. Allergy, Stuffy Nose, Itchy Eyes, Dry Cough. Oral HIV Prevention (PrEP and PEP) medications - Truvada (Tenofovir), Descovy (emtricitabine), Tivicay (dolutegravir) and Isentress (raltegravir) and Isentress are given for exposure to HIV, you must wait 3 months after the last dose of medication to donate. Acceptable as long as you feel well when you come to donate, and your blood pressure is at least 90/50 (systolic/diastolic). Valacyclovir is better absorbed than acyclovir. If you have been diagnosed with Zika virus infection, wait more than 120 days after your symptoms resolve to donate. How long do I have to take Brilinta after a stent or heart attack? Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/050722s045s046,050723s045s046,050758s042s043,050759s050s051lbl.pdf. However, if a live attenuated viral COVID-19 vaccine becomes available and you get it, wait 14 days after being vaccinated before donating blood. You can donate as long as you don't have symptoms of COVID-19 and feel well when youre about to donate. This makes it more convenient for people to take. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Theyll be able to test your blood for any of these conditions, help you navigate the process for donating blood, and walk you through any guidelines for how often and how much blood you can give. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern time), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern time). Some people are at high risk of bloodborne infections, which makes them ineligible to donate blood. Take valacyclovir exactly as directed by your doctor and for the exact time prescribed, even if your symptoms improve. (2019). The blood you donate will be tested for bloodborne diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV. Donated blood benefits people in local hospitals who need blood transfusions. It's common to be nervous about donating blood if you've never done it before. There are some restrictions on who can donate blood, and you may be wondering can I donate blood if I'm taking medication? Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. Acceptable if you received an HPV Vaccine (example, Gardasil). Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Then, your red blood cells are put back into your blood along with a saline solution. If youve had the COVID-19 vaccine, your antibody levels wont go down after you give blood. Acceptable if you meet all eligibility criteria and donation intervals. You must also wait a year to donate blood if: The following drugs are no longer available in the United States. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. In order to donate whole blood, youll need to: Eligibility requirements may differ if you want to donate only platelets or plasma. If you take any of these, you may not be eligible to donate platelets for a certain time period. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills. For the purposes of blood donation gender is self-identified and self-reported, which is relevant to the transgender community. Cladel NM, et al. Individuals with low blood volumes may not tolerate the removal of the required volume of blood given with whole blood donation. If you're taking antibiotics, you must complete the course before donating. Convalescent plasma contains antibodies that your body builds after a viral infection to fight off the illness. Did you leave the city or resort at any time? Learn how transfusion reactions occur and how to minimize. Wait 3 years after living more than 5 years in a country or countries where malaria is found. A pulse that is regular and less than 50 will require evaluation by the regional American Red Cross physician. Giving blood can help save lives. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Plavix (clopidogrel) and Ticlid (ticlopidine) no waiting period for donating whole blood. Avodart or Jalyn (dutasteride) - wait 6 months from the last dose. If you're in good health and meet the general eligibility criteria, then you are likely able to give blood. Yes. Treatment may last from one to 14 days depending on the condition being treated and the immunocompetency of the person being treated. Researchers found that even animal subjects who didnt have any symptoms could still spread HPV when they carried the virus in their blood. If youre not sure, call your local blood donation center to ask if youre eligible to donate platelets, plasma, or convalescent plasma. Blood donation - Mayo Clinic Learn more about the different types of blood, including which one is the rarest and the role of genetics, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. If you are taking any medication, even if it is not listed here, please call the MSK Blood Donor Room at 212-639-7648 or email [emailprotected]to determine your eligibility. Without the people who took time to donate blood, I would have died after childbirth. Chlamydia, venereal warts (human papilloma virus), or genital herpes are not a cause for deferral if you are feeling healthy and well and meet all other eligibility requirements. To keep the nations blood supply safe and to protect patients and donors, there are some requirements that donors must meet. The cycle is repeated a few times till enough plasma is collected. As long as youre not actively infected or the virus has left your body, you can donate blood. But only 3% of age-eligible people donate blood each year. Donated platelets can be stored for use for as long as five days. Contact the blood donor center or your doctor if you: Get our free e-newsletter to stay up to date on the latest health information from experts at Mayo Clinic. Blood donations are not tested for malaria because there is no sensitive blood test available for malaria. But you cant donate them at a blood drive because a special machine is used to remove just the platelets and return the remaining blood back to your body. For example, if you take aspirin products on Monday, the soonest you can donate platelets is Thursday. DOI: Red Cross frequently asked questions page, clinicalcenter.nih.gov/blooddonor/can_i_donate.html, vitalant.org/donate/donor-eligibility.aspx, transfusionguidelines.org/dsg/wb/guidelines/he025-herpes-simplex, givingblood.org/donate-blood/who-can-donate.aspx, Can You Donate Blood If You Have a Tattoo? We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Malaria is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes found in certain countries and can be transmitted to patients through blood transfusion. If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility to donate blood, contact your donation center. Wait 3 months after the last dose of any oral medications taken to prevent HIV infection [also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)]- Truvada (Tenofovir), Descovy (emtricitabine), Tivicay (dolutegravir) and Isentress (raltegravir) are oral medications given for exposure to HIV. You can also help peoplefacing emergencies by making a financial donationto support the Red Crosss greatest needs. New donors must donate plasma within 6 months before a donation can be used. If you meet all eligibility criteria below, please schedule your appointment today to transform the lives of patients in need. Your eligibility will be based on the reason that the medication was prescribed. Non-living animal tissues such as bone, tendon, or heart valves are acceptable. Donated blood helps meet many medical needs, including those of people who have lost blood due to trauma, an organ transplant or other major surgery, as well as those who cannot make enough blood on their own due to illness or treatment. Blood Donation and COVID-19 Vaccine: What to Know - WebMD Acyclovir also passes into breastmilk. Feldene (piroxicam), no waiting period for donating whole blood. Wait 3 years after living more than 5 years in a country or countries where malaria is found. 2022. In most cases, you can still donate blood after getting a COVID-19 vaccine if you are symptom-free and feeling well at the time of your donation. Wait until you have completed antibiotic treatment for sinus, throat or lung infection.