The Red Cross follows this policy as a precaution to prevent the spread of flu during blood drives.ģ. If you have a fever or a productive cough, or generally feel unwell on the day of donation, you should wait and come back when you feel better. Cosmetic tattoos applied in a licensed establishment in a regulated state using sterile needles and ink that is not reused are acceptable.Ģ. The primary reason is to prevent transferring the hepatitis virus.
CAN GAY MEN DONATE BLOOD IN CALIFORNIA SKIN
If you’ve recently had a tattoo, piercing, semi-permanent make-up –any treatment that pierces the skin - you will need to wait at least four months before being eligible to donate. While the American Red Cross and other organizations appreciate all who volunteer to be a donor, there are a number of reasons why some individuals may not be permitted to give blood. Blood donations are also used to make immunizations for chickenpox, hepatitis B, and tetanus, as well as clotting factor products for hemophiliacs. Almost 40,000 blood donations are needed each day for all sorts of conditions and procedures: Everything from cancer, sickle cell disease, and anemia, to complications of pregnancy, trauma, and surgeries. Red blood cells, plasma, and platelets are the lifeline for medical treatments needed by patients all across the country, and keeping up the supply is an ongoing struggle. It only takes 20 minutes to help someone in urgent need, but not everyone is actually eligible to be a blood donor. Only one in 30 people regularly gives blood, and those who do can be considered medical heroes behind the scenes, helping to keep people alive.
Below are five reasons you may not be allowed to give blood. It's always a good time to make a much-needed blood donation - yet not everyone can do so.