When Can I not donate blood?

Dr. Ajay Bedi

MBBS, DA (Founder and Director, East Delhi Medical Centre)

Blood donation is an incredible act of kindness, and if you are here, we know you must be seriously considering giving blood.  But there are a few individuals who are to be left out when it comes to donating blood. In case you wondering can I donate blood or not, let’s find out the mandates of National Blood Transfusion Council regarding this. According to NBTC, you cannot donate blood if you have the following conditions

If you do have any of the following symptoms and conditions, do not worry. Consult a medical health professional, and we are right here!  Drop a Whatspp message at 8287696071 or Call at 8800526644 and book an appointment with East Delhi Medical Centre.

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Eligibility Conditions - National Blood Transfusion Council

  • The Weighty Dilemma
    So, you thought you needed to be hefty to donate blood? Well, turns out, you just need to weigh more than 45 kilograms.
  • Not too old and Not too young
    Blood donors must fall between the ages of 18 and 65 to be eligible to give blood. If you are too young wait a while, if you have crossed the age, we suggest inspiring the younger generation to donate blood.
  • The Peculiar Pulse
    So they like their donors with a normal temperature and pulse! If your pulse is racing or you’re running hot, it’s best to take a break from the blood donation stage for now.
  • The Pressure is on!
    The blood pressure of the donor – the systolic and diastolic blood pressures should be within normal limits.
  • The Maternity Exclusion
    Mothers have to wait a bit after childbirth before donating, NBTC suggests one year after birth. Your body needs some time to recover, and additionally, the mother’s lactating days should be over.
  • The Hemoglobin Hang-Up
    Hemoglobin, the superhero of blood cells, needs to be at least 12.5 grams.
  • The Malaria Mayhem
    Malaria treatment in the last three months (or three years if you reside in an endemic area) excludes you from the blood donation club.
  • Drugs
    NBTC mandate clearly says, Injecting drugs intravenously, even just once, make you ineligible to donate blood.
  • With the Dentist
    Donors can give blood 3 days after an extraction, surgery, root canal, crown, root planing, gum autograft or implant. You can give blood the very next day if it was after a filling (restoration), cleaning or orthodontics
  • The Diabetes Dilemma
    If your diabetes is resolved or controlled through diet or oral medication, you’re good to go. But if you rely on insulin injections, the donation is not allowed!
  • The Ailments
    Epilepsy, asthma on steroids, bleeding disorders, thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, polycythemia vera—these conditions  prevent you from donating blood.
  • The Heart
    If you have any heart conditions, you must prioritize your well-being and not donate blood.
  • Infections
    Hepatitis B, C, tuberculosis, leprosy, and HIV—these make it completely impossible to donate blood.
  • High Risk Factors
    The donors cannot have a history of Genital ulcers, discharge, multiple sexual partners, and drug addiction to be eligible for Blood Donation.
  • Arms and Forearms
    If donors have Arms and forearms with punctures or scars which may indicate frequent blood donations or intravenous drug use then they won’t be able to donate blood!
  • The Cancer Conundrum
    We hope the cancer patients who want to donate blood can find an alternative way of contributing to the world and we also wish them more strength to fight their battles.
  • Tattoo/Acupuncture Time-Out
    If donors have gotten Tattoos or acupuncture sessions in the last 12 months, then they cannot donate blood sadly.
  • Vaccination 
    If you’ve recently had shots for cholera, typhoid, diphtheria, tetanus, plague, gammaglobulin, or rabies, we kindly request you take a 15-day break (or a year for rabies). Your immune system needs a break before it saves the day again.

These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of both donors and recipients. Blood donation is a crucial endeavor that relies on healthy individuals who meet the eligibility criteria. So, even if you’re not able to participate in this particular area, there are plenty of other ways you can make a positive impact on the world. Cheers to all the unsung heroes who give their support in various ways and keep the blood donation festivities thriving!