|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
All materials on this website are copyrighted. Copyright © 2005-2009 by The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York. All rights reserved.
Mac users: please note that our site is optimized for the Safari browser. |
|
Other
|
Who can be a blood donor?
Originally Published: September 21, 2001
~ Last Updated / Reviewed on: January 08, 2008
|
  |
|
(1) What qualifications do you have to have in order to be a blood donor?
(2) I want to donate blood (O-!). I have donated for many years before I had seeds implanted for prostate cancer (wasn't metastasized then, or now), and am taking blood pressure pills. Now, is it all right for me to donate? Thank you.
Dear Readers, Your commitment to donating blood to help others is respectable, and much appreciated by the medical professionals and recipients who need blood products. In general, blood donors must be healthy, over 17 years old, weigh over 110 pounds, and not have donated blood within the last 8 weeks. However, there are many conditions which may affect a person's ability to donate blood, so it is best to check with blood donation programs about your health issues and their specific requirements. The New York Blood Center, American Red Cross, and America's Blood Centers websites contain the information on eligibility, medical conditions, what to expect when donating, and locations in your area. Blood donation requirements change from time to time, so it's best to check with the organization collecting donations about their policies. If you meet the requirements for blood donation, and you are interested but unfamiliar with the blood donation process, the following Web pages will clue you in on what to expect during your appointment:
For Reader #2, the American Red Cross web site has a Blood Donor Eligibility section, including guidelines for medical conditions and medications.before a visit to a blood donation center. In case you are still unclear, discussing your interest in blood donation with your primary health care provider would be of benefit. (The blood donation process also involves a medical screening by a health care professional, which includes an assessment of your general medical history, to see if you can donate blood that day.) Searching through these detailed documents may help you to determine your eligibility status Columbia students and staff can use the resources mentioned above to find a donation site or check out Health Services to find blood drives happening on campus. Again, your regard for the wellbeing of others is commendable. Best to you as you give of yourself to others,
Related Q&As |
Go Ask Alice! is not an emergency or instant response service.