Can I Donate Blood?
Everyone willing to donate blood should understand the requirements. All donated blood and blood products are tested for diseases, and potential donors are carefully and confidentially screened to ensure their own safety and that of the patients who receive blood.
Requirements for Donating Blood
Before donating, there are some basic requirements that all donors must meet. Eligible donors will need to:
- Be at least 17 years old*
- Weigh at least 110 pounds
- Be in good health generally and feel well on the day of donation
- Bring a current photo ID on the day of donation
May be eligible if 16 years old, if weight is at least 135 pounds and have signed Parental Consent Form.
Blood Donation Requirements in Spanish
You can review the requirements for being a blood donor in Spanish and decide if donation is right for you.
Common Reasons People Can't Donate Blood
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sets strict requirements that apply to all blood donation centers. This protects not only patients who receive donated blood, plasma and platelets—it also protects the health of donors as well. Donating blood can be unsafe if you're on specific medications, have medical restrictions or have traveled to certain areas.
You will not be able to donate if you:
- Are taking antibiotics for an infection (antibiotics for treating acne are fine)
- Are currently taking Cellcept or have taken Cellcept in the last six weeks
- Are currently using Avodart or Jalyn or have taken either in the last six months
- Are taking HIV prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP) medications by mouth (oral) – Descovy or Truvada in the past three months
- Are taking HIV prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP) medication by injection – Apretude in the past two years
- Are taking or ever taken HIV treatment also known as antiretroviral therapy (ART)
- Have taken Absorica, Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisa, Propoecia, Proscar, Revlimid, Rinvoq, Sotret, Thalomid or Zenatane in the past 30 days or are currently taking any of these drugs
- Are currently taking or have taken Arava, Aubagio, Erivedge or Odomzo in the last two years
- Have taken Soriatane in the past three years or taking Soriatane now
- Have ever taken Tegison
- Taking a medication that contains aspirin (applies only to platelet donors)
See a complete list of medications that affect blood donor eligibility (PDF).
You cannot donate blood or blood products if you have:
- Undergone dental surgery within the last 72 hours
- A history of HIV/AIDS or have ever tested positive for HIV
- Have had close contact or lived with someone who has hepatitis in the past three months
- Have had cancer during the last year, unless it was localized skin cancer and has been treated
- Used IV drugs not prescribed by a physician within the last three months
- Received an accidental needle stick within the last three months
If you have lived or traveled to any of these places during the specified timeframes, you won't be able to donate.
- Traveled to an area where malaria is common in the past three months
- Lived in country where malaria is common in the past three years (stay of five years continuously)
What if you have body piercings or tattoos?
- Ear and body piercings are okay if they were performed with sterile, single-use needles. If other methods were used, you will have to wait three months after the procedure to donate blood.
- Tattoos or permanent makeup received from licensed California institutions are acceptable, provided they have healed and there are no signs of infection. If you had the work done at a nonlicensed facility, or if it happened outside of California, you will be eligible to donate three months after the procedure.
If you are not eligible to donate blood, don't be discouraged. There are still valuable ways you can use your time and energy to help save lives. You can:
- Volunteer with Cedars-Sinai Blood Donor Services—we're always looking for volunteers.
- Be an ambassador for donation. Spread the word to your co-workers, friends and family about the critical shortage of blood and blood products needed to save lives.
- Organize and host a blood drive in your community, with assistance from our team.
Just one car accident victim can need as much as two pints of blood to save their life.
Recently donated blood? Please take the blood donor survey.
Have Questions or Need Help?
Call the Blood Donor Services team, Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm PT.