-
Step 1
Be healthy and at least 17 years old (or 16 if allowed by state law). There is no upper age limit on who can give blood. The American Red Cross defines healthy as feeling well and able to perform your usual activities.
-
Step 2
Weigh at least 110 pounds. Blood volume is proportional to weight, and if you weigh less than that, your body will probably miss the blood you would give. There is no upper weight limit.
-
Step 3
Wait at least 56 days between blood donations. To be eligible to give blood, you cannot have donated in the last eight weeks or donated double red cells in 16 weeks (111 days).
-
Step 4
Give blood if you have had piercings or electrolysis as long as the tools used on you were sterile or single-use.
-
Step 5
Wait at least 12 months after being tattooed to be eligible to give blood, if you got the tattoo in a state where tattoo shops are not regulated. It is best not to give blood for at least a year after you get a tattoo from someone who is not licensed. This is to prevent the spread of hepatitis.
-
Step 6
Do not donate blood if you have AIDS or if you have ever had a positive test for HIV. Also, if you have done something that puts you at risk for HIV, you are not eligible to give blood. The American Red Cross website lists a variety of conditions that might be signs of AIDS (see Resources below).
-
Step 7
Refuse to donate blood if you have ever used intravenous drugs. This refers to street drugs and not those that a doctor prescribed for you. The American Red Cross makes this requirement so that blood transfusions do not spread HIV and hepatitis.
