Blood Donor Guidelines
Before giving blood, please look over these guidelines:
Anyone 17 years of age weighing at least 110 pounds and in good general health may donate blood. Those who are 16 years of age, weighing 120 pounds, may donate with parental consent.
(Download form here.)
Additional requirements may be needed for certain types of blood donation such as platelet, dual red blood cell or plasma.
Donors should eat before their donation. Fasting is not recommended.
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, such as water and fruit juice, before and after donating.
Donors must present identification. Acceptable forms of identification include, but are not limited, to
•Driver's license
•Security or identification badge with photograph and name
•Passport
•Photo yearbook listing (high school)
•Photo credit card or bank card
Eat healthy high-iron foods.
Avoid caffeine and products containing aspirin.
For faster service please bring a list of any medications you may be taking.
Additional guidelines may apply for specific blood donations. Please view the appropriate section on the Types of Donation page.
For questions on a specific medication, please call our Quality Assurance Department at (210) 731-5555 during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For answers to specific questions about being eligible to donate send an e-mail to donornotification@bloodntissue.org.
For more information on blood donation visit the FDA site on Frequently Asked Questions. FDA.gov