Giving Blood - Donor Requirements

Eligibility Calendar

Whole blood donors can donate approximately every two months (56 days). If you last donated whole blood on or before , you are now eligible to donate.
Platelet donors (plateletpheresis) can donate approximately every two weeks (14 days). If you last donated platelets on or before , you are now eligible to donate.
Plasma donors (plasmapheresis) can donate approximately every four weeks (28 days). If you last donated plasma on or before , you are now eligible to donate.
Double Red Cell (ALYX) donors can donate approximately every four months (112 days). If you last donated double red cells (ALYX) on or before , you are now eligible to donate.

Donors

Must be 17 years of age or older
Must weigh at least 110 pounds
Must provide a photo ID or two other forms of ID
Must be in general good health:
• No fever, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
• No active cold symptoms (congestion, coughing, wheezing)
• No diarrhea with fever (one month waiting period from last date of symptoms)
• No recent major surgery
• No history of hepatitis, convulsions, heart disease, or cancer
• No tattoos or body piercings in the last 12 months
PLATELET DONORS: No aspirin, or products containing aspirin, for at least 72 hours before your appointment. Do not take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications, such as Ibuprofen, for 24 hours before your appointment. Tylenol is acceptable.

Click here to request an appointment.

Pictured: University of Delaware student using new automated donor interview software.

Travel Guidelines for Blood Donation

To protect the blood supply and to comply with regulations and safety guidelines, blood banks defer donors who have travelled to certain parts of the world. These rules are in place due to a potential travel-related risk of contracting an infection that may be transmitted through blood transfusion. Click HERE to see the common travel-related deferrals. If you have questions or need more information, please call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8.

Recommendations

Eating

All donors should eat a good meal within 3 hours before giving blood. Please avoid drinking highly caffeinated energy drinks before donating.

On Medication?

You may still be eligible to give blood!

If you are on medication for a health condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes or have been previously deferred from donating blood, you may now be eligible to donate.

Most medicines will not prevent you from giving blood. However, the reason you are taking the medicine may affect whether you qualify as a blood donor. Please discuss this with the person scheduling your appointment. When you come to donate, please bring a list of all medications you are currently taking.

If you are on high blood pressure medicine, you can donate as long as your blood pressure is below 180 systolic (first number) and below 100 diastolic(second number) at the time of donation. Medications for high blood pressure do not disqualify you from donating.

Please check our current eligibility requirements by calling the Blood Bank at 302-737-8400 or 1-800-533-6957. The Blood Bank staff will be happy to discuss them with you.

Avoid Strenuous Physical Activity

After giving blood, avoid participating in strenuous physical labor or athletic activities for the rest of the day. You can resume your normal activities the next day.

Please Note

Persons at risk for AIDS (or those listed below and their sexual partners) are NOT permitted to give blood: