Blood Donations: Who Can Be a Donor? How Frequent Can Someone Donate Blood?

Donating blood can save someone's life. Interestingly, blood donors can also yield physical and emotional health benefits from it. But who exactly can donate, and how often can someone donate blood?

Blood Donation Types

While blood donations may sound general, there are actually four kinds. Each one has its own donor rules. These types are, namely, plasma, platelets, whole blood, and red blood cells.

Among these types, whole blood is the most versatile and easy type to donate. This blood consists of platelets, white cells, and red cells all suspended within plasma.

Who Can Be a Blood Donor?

The American Red Cross notes that there are certain criteria to meet when it comes to being able to donate blood.

Across the majority of states, donors should be at least 17 years old to donate plasma or platelets. They must also be at least 16 years old in order to offer whole blood. In certain states, young donors could be accommodated if a parental consent form is signed.

It is also necessary to have a weight of at least 110 pounds, feel generally well without symptoms of flu or colds, and be free of open wounds and cuts.

When it comes to red blood cell donations, there is usually a different set of criteria. Males should be over five feet and one inch in height, not below 17 years of age, and have a weight of at least 130 pounds. Female donors, on the other hand, should not be below 19 years of age, have a weight of at least 150 pounds, and be at least five feet and five inches tall.

There are also criteria that could make a person ineligible to donate even if they meet other weight, height, and age requirements. These other criteria include having flu or cold systems, having piercings or tattoos that are less than a year old, being pregnant, traveling to countries with a high risk of malaria, sex or drug use, HIV, viral hepatitis, and other STDs.

How Frequent Can You Donate Blood?

According to the American Red Blood, whole blood donations can be done every 56 days.

For red blood cell donations, the majority must have 112-day intervals between donations. This blood donation type cannot be performed more than three times in a year. For male donors who are under 18 years old, red blood cell donations can only be done twice a year.

When it comes to platelet donations, this can be done typically every 7 days or 24 times in a year. As for plasma-only donations, this can be done up to 13 times a year with intervals of 28 days.

When preparing for a blood donation, it is important to drink a lot of water before and after donating. It is also recommended to eat foods rich in vitamin C and iron prior to the donation.