Homecoming 2004: It's Reality | Oct 16-23

General Health History Requirements

Basic Requirements for Any Donor

To donate blood you must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, in general good health, at least 55 days between whole blood donations and 111 days between double red cell donations.

• AIDS
  

  Individuals are permanently deferred if they have tested positive for the HIV virus, have signs or symptoms of AIDS, or if they are at risk for getting or spreading the disease.

• CANCER
  

  People with common skin cancers are acceptable if the cancer is surgically removed and healed. Other cancers are acceptable if 5 years have passed since the last chemotherapy, radiation, or surgical treatment.

• CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASE (CJD) and NEW VARIANT CJD
  

  These are diseases of the brain and central nervous system. People who have any blood relative(s) with CJD, or those who have been told their family is at risk of CJD must be deferred.

• EUROPE
  

  Donors who have traveled to Europe since 1980 should call the Red Cross phone number listed at the end of this.

• COLDS
  

  Donors must be feeling well and not on prescription medication for infection. Mild nasal stuffiness, a dry cough, or allergies are not cause for deferral.

• DENTAL CARE
  

  Oral surgery is acceptable the fourth day following surgery.

• TATTOOS/BODY PIERCINGS
  

  Wait one year after attempting or receiving a tattoo. Body piercing requires evaluation by a Red Cross Nurse.

• MALARIA/FOREIGN TRAVEL
  

  Donors who have had malaria must not have had symptoms for the past 3 years. An immigrant or visitor from a malarious area must have lived in this country for 3 years without malaria symptoms. Some areas of Mexico, Central and South America, Africa, and Asia are malarious, so please call the phone number listed below regarding travel to these areas within the last 12 months.

****For questions regarding whether you can donate or not, please call the Red Cross at 651-291-3885 between 8:30 am and 5 pm and ask for Health History Questions.****

Information for Prospective Donors

How long will it take?
Donating blood is a four step process, which takes about an hour from start to finish.

• Registration: You MUST present a form of identification at this step.
• Health History: A mini-physical checking your blood pressure, iron level and temperature.
• Actual Donation: Giving a pint of your blood will take 5 – 7 minutes.
• Canteen: A chance to drink and eat snacks.

How do I prepare myself before I donate?
Eating prior to donating is a good idea. Not only does food keep your iron levels up but it also helps you to not feel dizzy or weak.

Can I workout (play sports) after I donate?
Yes, regular activity is fine as long as you feel OK. We recommend no strenuous activity or heavy lifting right after donating.