If you had leukemia or lymphoma, including Hodgkins Disease and other cancers of the blood, you are not eligible to donate. Blood volume is determined by body weight and height. Learn more about hepatitis and blood donation. Considervolunteeringorhosting a blood drivethrough the Red Cross. It's common to be nervous about donating blood if you've never done it before. Generally, donors must: Some donation centers have additional medical, travel, and lifestyle considerations. Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB) provides a location service for blood centers across the U.S. Find a donation center near you and make an appointment to save lives today. General eligibility criteria. For all donors, the hemoglobin level can be no greater than 20 g/dL. Yes. Teriflunomide treats relapsing multiple sclerosis. Wait if you have a fever or a productive cough (bringing up phlegm). You can also contact blood drive centers like the American Red Cross at 800-RED CROSS to check if youre eligible. Wait at least 16 weeks between Power Red (automated) donations. If you dont know which company manufactured your vaccine, youll need to wait 2 weeks before you can donate blood. Even if symptoms fully abate, valacyclovir should be taken until the prescribed course has been completed. Your gift enables the Red Cross to ensure an ongoing blood supply, provide humanitarian support to families in need and prepare communities by teaching lifesaving skills. Most cases are temporary and go away on their own without any treatment. Amnesteem, Absorica, Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane (. You'll have to wait to donate for two to four weeks after being vaccinated for chickenpox, measles, mumps, rubella or smallpox, or receiving the oral polio vaccine. These medications are not usually taken together. Even if you can't donate now, you may be able to do so in the future. If you meet all eligibility criteria below, please schedule your appointment today to transform the lives of patients in need. Every 15 seconds, someone in the United States needs platelets. Students who donate at high school drives and donors 18 years of age or younger must also meet additional height and weight requirements for whole blood donation (applies to girls shorter than 5'5" and boys shorter than 5'). Tested positive for COVID-19 with or without symptoms in the last 14 days, Had COVID-19 symptoms in the last 14 days, Weigh at least 110 pounds. Taking certain medications may exclude you from donating blood, platelets or plasma. If your blood does not clot normally, you can not donate since you may have excessive bleeding where the needle was placed. Wait 3 months after being treated for syphilis or gonorrhea. The following tables list common medications that may prevent you from donating, at least temporarily. With this limit in mind, many people with high blood pressure will still be able to donate blood, because high . No. Clicking on links above and printing the forms, Calling the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program at, Obtaining copies at one of the donation center locations or a mobile blood drive, Anyone who has used injected drugs, steroids or another substance not prescribed by a doctor in the past three months, Men who have had sexual contact with other men in the past three months, Anyone who has a congenital coagulation factor deficiency, Anyone who has engaged in sex for money or drugs in the past three months, Anyone who, in the past 12 months, has had close contact with lived with or had sexual contact with a person who has viral hepatitis, Anyone who has had babesiosis, a rare and severe tick-borne disease, or the parasitic infection Chagas' disease. Other prescription blood thinners not listed, call 866-236-3276 to speak with an eligibility specialist about your individual situation. Convalescent plasma contains antibodies that your body builds after a viral infection to fight off the illness. Here are some resources you can use to figure out whether you can donate blood: Wondering if you have herpes and want to know before you donate blood? This content does not have an English version. Hepatitis B Immune Globulin given for exposure to hepatitis, wait 12 months after exposure to hepatitis. Herpes infections are highly contagious and you should cover your rash and avoid intimate contact. Do not give blood if you have AIDS or have ever had a positive HIV test, or if you have done something that puts you at risk for becoming infected with HIV. Blood donations are not tested for malaria because there is no sensitive blood test available for malaria. From diagnosis to treatment, our experts provide the care and support you need, when you need it. Wait 2 years after the last injection or shot of medication taken to prevent HIV infection also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)- Apretude (cabotegravir ) are injections or shots given for exposure to HIV. Medications for high blood pressure do not disqualify you from donating. Also, avoid touching the rash and then your eyes. When you donate blood, you only give about 1 pint. Inhibits viral DNA replication by inhibiting viral DNA polymerase, incorporation, and termination of the growing viral DNA chain, and inactivation of the viral DNA polymerase. If you have traveled outside of the United States and Canada, your travel destinations will be reviewed at the time of donation. Wait until you have completed antibiotic treatment for sinus, throat or lung infection. Wait 2 weeks after immunizations for Red Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Polio (by mouth), and Yellow Fever vaccine. If you plan to donate platelets, you need to have stopped using aspirin or any aspirin-containing medicine 48 hours before your appointment. Before donating: A person can find blood donation services by searching online for nearby centers or using an online locator . If you have been diagnosed with Zika virus infection, wait more than 120 days after your symptoms resolve to donate. Medicines that interact with valacyclovir may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with valacyclovir. Aspirin, no waiting period for donating whole blood. Acyclovir has activity against several different viruses including herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1), 2 (HSV-2), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Not have taken medication, herbal supplements or traditional herbal remedies for at least 3 days. This makes it more convenient for people to take. More research is needed to verify whether HPV can be spread through blood. Persons who are pregnant are not eligible to donate. Wait 3 months after using IV drugs that were not prescribed by a physician. A donor with an acute infection can not donate. If, in the past 3 years, you have been outside the United States or Canada: Acceptable if you are healthy and well and have been vaccinated for measles more than 4 weeks ago or were born before 1956. Just as with blood donation, you dont have to wait to give platelets or plasma after youve had your COVID-19 vaccine as long as you know the vaccine manufacturer. Acceptable if you meet all eligibility criteria and donation intervals. Did you leave the city or resort at any time? In general, acceptable as long as you have been medically evaluated and treated, have no current (within the last 6 months) heart related symptoms such as chest pain and have no limitations or restrictions on your normal daily activities. Wait 3 months after treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea. If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility to donate blood, contact your donation center. You are at risk for getting infected if you: Do not give blood if you have any of the following conditions that can be signs or symptoms of HIV/AIDS. If you have a shingles rash or a cold sore, try and keep it as clean and dry as possible. You must also wait a year to donate blood if: The following drugs are no longer available in the United States. You have not donated blood in the past 56 days. Giving blood can help save lives. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy because acyclovir (the active form of valacyclovir) crosses the placenta into the unborn child. What foods should I eat or avoid when taking Brilinta? We avoid using tertiary references. Valacyclovir works in several different ways to prevent these viruses from replicating. No. Whether you can donate blood if you have HPV isnt conclusive. Highly selective for thymidine kinase encoded by HSV and VZV viruses which converts acyclovir to acyclovir monophosphate, which is then converted to the diphosphate, then to the active triphosphate. Heres an overview of when its OK to donate blood: Still not sure if youre eligible to donate blood? Wait 3 years after living more than 5 years in a country or countries where malaria is found. You may still be able to donate whole blood. ). Your eligibility will be based on the reason that the medication was prescribed. You can call 866-236-3276 to speak with an eligibility specialist about your travel. If you aren't sure what type of vaccine you got, wait 14 days before donating blood. Antibiotic by injection for an infection acceptable 10 days after last injection. By starting to give when you are young and donating throughout your life, you may save thousands of lives. The whole process may take 3 hours. Apheresis takes up to two hours, which is longer than it takes to donate whole blood. An additional waiting period of 3 years is required if you have traveled to an area where malaria is found if you have not lived a consecutive 3 years in a country or countries where malaria is not found. Acceptable if you have sickle cell trait. You can call 866-236-3276 to speak with an eligibility specialist about your travel. Talk to your doctor or get in touch with a local blood bank, hospital, or nonprofit that has expertise in this area. Donated red blood cells can be stored for use for up to 42 days. If you have any other questions or concerns regarding donation, call the NIH Blood Bank at (301) 496-1048. If you're in good health and meet the general eligibility criteria, then you are likely able to give blood. October 2021. The Red Cross does not test blood donations for the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the principle psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. Go to your donation appointment well rested and wearing a shirt with sleeves that can be rolled up above your elbows. Acceptable as long as your blood pressure is below 180 systolic (first number) and below 100 diastolic (second number) at the time of donation. They can be prescribed to help prevent strokes or heart attacks. So theres always a demand for blood donation. The site is secure. Those with sickle cell disease are not eligible to donate. Can you drink alcohol while taking Brilinta? Certain medications may delay your ability to donate blood. Papillomavirus can be transmitted through the blood and produce infections in blood recipients: Evidence from two animal models. These persons are at higher risk for exposure to infectious diseases. Other types of cancer are acceptable if the cancer has been treated successfully and it has been more than 12 months since treatment was completed and there has been no cancer recurrence in this time. Read more about the national blood shortage. In some countries, regular donors over the age of 65 may be accepted at the discretion of the responsible physician. If you have traveled outside of the United States and Canada, your travel destinations will be reviewed at the time of donation. Those who have tested positive for COIVD-19 antibodies but didn't have a diagnostic test and never developed symptoms can donate without a waiting period or having a diagnostic test done before donation. HPV is most commonly spread via skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus. But if youve had the COVID-19 vaccine, the FDA allows you to give convalescent plasma only within 6 months of your initial COVID-19 infection. Considervolunteeringorhosting a blood drivethrough the Red Cross. 16 years old with parental/guardian consent. And, yes, you can donate blood if you are taking medication for high blood pressure. However, if a live attenuated viral COVID-19 vaccine becomes available and you get it, wait 14 days after being vaccinated before donating blood. The Food and Drug Administration suggests waiting to donate blood for at least 14 days after a positive diagnostic test for COVID-19 without symptoms or for at least 14 days after symptoms of COVID-19 have completely cleared up. Acceptable if you have a heart murmur as long as you have been medically evaluated and treated and have not had symptoms in the last 6 months and have no restrictions on your normal daily activities. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis and HIV. Aspirin, no waiting period for donating whole blood. If you have a temperature above 99.5 F, you can not donate. Apheresis blood donation (double red cells, platelets, plasma) takes about 1 1/2-2 hours. If youve had COVID-19 and want to give convalescent plasma, the rules are a bit different. hepatitis B medications, such as entecavir, some vaccinations, such as varicella virus or zoster virus vaccine, NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen, warfarin, an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Precancerous conditions of the uterine cervix do not disqualify you from donation if the abnormality has been treated successfully. For more information about other medications, contact the Blood Donor Program. It should be started at the first sign of genital herpes or cold sore symptoms but is not a cure for these conditions. Acceptable as long as the instruments used were single-use equipment and disposable (which means both the gun and the earring cassette were disposable). Arava (leflunomide),Erivedge (vismodegib) and Odomzo (sonidegib) wait 2 years. Traditionally, its been thought that you can still donate blood if you have HPV as long as you dont have an active infection, as the virus is believed to be transmitted only through direct skin-to-skin contact or sex. Medically reviewed by Carmen Fookes, BPharm. Donors who have undergone acupuncture treatments are acceptable. The blood drives and the blood donor locations on Mayo Clinic's campuses in Jacksonville, Florida, and Rochester, Minnesota, make it easy and convenient to donate blood. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Come prepared to your donation process with your travel details when you donate. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use valacyclovir only for the indication prescribed. Persons on these drugs have waiting periods following their last dose before they can donate blood: Unable to Give Blood? Anyone who has risk factors for the degenerative brain disorder Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), Anyone who spent three months or more in the United Kingdom from 1980 through 1996, Anyone who received a blood transfusion in the United Kingdom or France from 1980 to the present, Anyone who has spent time that adds up to five years or more in France or Ireland from 1980 to 2001. You may still be able to donate whole blood. Get in touch with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Blood Bank at (301) 496-1048. If you received this vaccine after an exposure to Monkeypox, you cannot donate for 21 days after your last exposure. Wait 2 weeks if you were vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine but do not know if it was a non-replicating, inactivated, RNA based vaccine or a live attenuated vaccine. Cladel NM, et al. Your immune system will quickly replace the antibodies. If you received an injection of cadaveric pituitary human growth hormone (hGH) you cannot donate. If you ever received a transplant of animal organs or of living animal tissue - you are not eligible to donate blood. Donation is acceptable after routine teeth cleaning or dental work. Valacyclovir only needs to be taken twice a day compared with acyclovir which needs to be taken five times a day. Wait 3 months after returning from a trip to an area where malaria is found. Age. In almost all cases, medications will not disqualify you as a blood donor. Revised 07/2021.TIME CAP LABORATORIES, INC. Keep valacyclovir suspension in the refrigerator and shake well before use. Take valacyclovir exactly as directed by your doctor and for the exact time prescribed, even if your symptoms improve. Blood collection agencies have taken several steps to ensure both employees and donors are safe during the donation process. Do not give blood if at any time you received HIV treatment also known as antiretroviral therapy (ART). But the benefits of donating blood arent, Discover whether you can donate blood if you have a tattoo. If you ever received a dura mater (brain covering) transplant, you are not eligible to donate. Theyll be able to test your blood for any of these conditions, help you navigate the process for donating blood, and walk you through any guidelines for how often and how much blood you can give. The length of time you must wait to donate will depend on the requirements of the plasma donation site and the type of antibiotic. If you have a fever or an active infection, wait until the infection has resolved completely before donating blood. The truth is that most people with tattoos can donate blood, as long as they do not have certain . However, you must wait 2 full days after taking aspirin or any medication containing aspirin before donating platelets by apheresis. If you are taking antibiotics, then you will need to wait for 24 hours after your last dose before you can donate blood. Includes the Tdap vaccine. Drugs that can harm an unborn baby (fetus) belong to different classes of medications and treat different health issues. Lower risk in-situ cancers including squamous or basal cell cancers of the skin that have been completely removed and healed do not require a 12-month waiting period. Wash your hands frequently. In some countries national legislation permits 16-17 year-olds to donate provided that they fulfil the physical and hematological criteria required and that appropriate consent is obtained. 4.Can you donate blood with a cold? You should refer to the prescribing information for valacyclovir for a complete list of interactions. These drugs are used to treat or prevent blood clots and prevent strokes. March 11, 2021. If you've had a COVID-19 vaccination, discuss your eligibility for donating blood with center staff. In-Depth Discussion of Age and Blood Donation, Those younger than age 17 are almost always legal minors (not yet of the age of majority) who cannot give consent by themselves to donate blood. There is no upper age limit for blood donation as long as you are well with no restrictions or limitations to your activities. You must be at least 17 years old to donate to the general blood supply, or 16 years old with parental/guardian consent, if allowed by state law. have used needles to take any drugs, steroids, or anything not prescribed by your doctor in the last 3 months, are a male who has had sexual contact with another male, in the last 3 months, have taken money, drugs or other payment for sex in the last 3 months, have had sexual contact in the past 3 months with anyone described above. You can also help peoplefacing emergencies by making a financial donationto support the Red Crosss greatest needs. There is no upper weight limit as long as your weight is not higher than the weight limit of the donor bed/lounge you are using. Elderly people may be more sensitive to some of the side effects of valacyclovir. The criteria concerning foreign travel are subject to change, so please discuss your eligibility with donor center staff. Weigh up the risks versus benefits of treatment because acyclovir (the active form of valacyclovir) crosses the placenta into the unborn child. When you come to donate blood at the American Red Cross, we measure your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin because the results provide information about your current health at the time of your donation. There is no risk of contracting COVID-19 from a blood, A transfusion reaction is when your body has an adverse response to a blood transfusion. Lets get into when you can donate with specific conditions or other health concerns, when you cant donate blood, and where to go if youre in the clear to donate. Some people are at high risk of bloodborne infections, which makes them ineligible to donate blood. If yes, where did you go? Available at: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=2eda833b-1357-4ed4-a093-194524fcb061&type=pdf. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If you have traveled or lived in a malaria-risk country, a waiting period is required before you can donate blood. Valacyclovir does not cure genital herpes or completely rid the body of herpes or varicella zoster virus. Available at: https://www.mskcc.org/about/get-involved/donating-blood/medications. This distinguishes it from Zostavax, the live shingles vaccine, which is given as a single dose (shot) and requires a 4-week deferral. Common medications that may interact with valacyclovir include: Alcohol should be avoided while taking valacyclovir because it weakens the immune system and may exacerbate the side effects of valacyclovir. Tegison (etretinate) at any time you are not eligible to donate blood. Still not sure if you can donate blood because of another limitation or condition? Please consider donating plasma again! In order to donate whole blood, youll need to: Eligibility requirements may differ if you want to donate only platelets or plasma. Acceptable if you are taking antibiotics to prevent an infection for the following reasons: acne, chronic prostatitis, peptic ulcer disease, periodontal disease, pre-dental work, rosacea, ulcerative colitis, after a splenectomy or valvular heart disease. At other times, always use a condom, because herpes can be transmitted in the absence of symptoms. https://www.redcrossblood.org/content/dam/redcrossblood/missing-documents/3468_Medication-Deferral-List.pdf. For example, if you take aspirin products on Monday, the soonest you can donate platelets is Thursday. To donate blood, you must: Be in general good health. In most cases, you can still donate blood after getting a COVID-19 vaccine if you are symptom-free and feeling well at the time of your donation. There is no substitute for human blood all transfusions use blood from a donor. Available for Android and iOS devices. Those who have had infections with Chagas Disease or Leishmaniasis are not eligible to donate. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. This includes work release programs and weekend incarceration. Acyclovir also passes into breastmilk. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. In many cases, the answer is. Cellcept (mycophenolate mofetil) capsules, for oral use. Tattoos or piercings: You cannot donate blood if you got a tattoo or piercing in the last 3 months in some states. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/050722s045s046,050723s045s046,050758s042s043,050759s050s051lbl.pdf. Individuals with questions about their donation eligibility can contact the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276. The blood you donate will be tested to determine your blood type. See "Blood Pressure, High" section above. Staff members are skilled at making the experience as smooth as possible. Wait until theyre dry and healed. It is not necessarily surgery but the underlying condition that precipitated the surgery that requires evaluation before donation. Plavix (clopidogrel) and Ticlid (ticlopidine) no waiting period for donating whole blood. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Donors with diabetes who take any kind if insulin are eligible to donate as long as their diabetes is well controlled. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Wait until finishing antibiotics for a dental infection. Malaria is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes found in certain countries and can be transmitted to patients through blood transfusion. Persons under the age of 17 may, however, donate blood for their own use, in advance of scheduled surgery or in situations where their blood has special medical value for a particular patient such as a family member. View complete list of side effects. Valacyclovir is an oral tablet that only needs to be taken twice daily, compared to five times daily for acyclovir. Diabetics who are well controlled on insulin or oral medications are eligible to donate. In Florida you can donate whole blood every 56 days, at minimum. You can donate plasma every two days, and no more than twice in a 7-day period. Is Brilinta a blood thinner or antiplatelet? While giving blood, you might access wireless internet or watch television or a movie to keep your mind occupied. Considervolunteeringorhosting a blood drivethrough the Red Cross. This content does not have an Arabic version. With cancer, where you get treated first matters. Blood donation is a simple act that can save lives. Donors must have the consent of a parent or guardian and weigh at least 110 pounds (about 50 kilograms). Copyright 1996-2023 Drugs.com. Youve been exposed to hepatitis B or received hepatitis B immune globulin, or, Youve taken experimental medications or vaccines as part of a clinical trial, Growth hormone from human pituitary gland, Insulin from cows (known as bovine insulin) that came from the United Kingdom. You'll also be given a. Be careful not to transfer the virus to others; ensure you do not share linen, such as towels. You may donate blood after most vaccinations if you're feeling well. The cycle is repeated a few times till enough plasma is collected. If you are in good health, and qualify for other eligibility guidelines, you can donate blood regardless of . 1 This is true whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Its taken from your arm, but it goes to a centrifuge machine that spins fast to separate plasma from the rest of the blood and then return the blood back to your body. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Mycophenolate mofetil is used to prevent organ rejection in transplants. You'll receive a brief physical, which includes checking your temperature, blood pressure and pulse. Forgot to report any important health information, Have signs and symptoms of an illness several days after your blood donation, Are diagnosed with COVID-19 within 48 hours after donating blood. Below, you will find a list of questions donors frequently ask. A tattoo is acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. During the appointment, donors will complete a brief health questionnaire with a Mayo Clinic health care professional to make sure blood donation is safe for both the donor and the recipient of the blood. All rights reserved. Talk with donor center staff about specific requirements. According to American Red Cross guidelines, people can donate blood as long as their blood pressure is between 90/50 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and 80/100 mm Hg. Blood is a lot more complex than it looks. Donated blood helps meet many medical needs, including those of people who have lost blood due to trauma, an organ transplant or other major surgery, as well as those who cannot make enough blood on their own due to illness or treatment. If you are taking any medication, even if it is not listed here, please call the MSK Blood Donor Room at 212-639-7648 or email [emailprotected]to determine your eligibility. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal government site. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Platelet, double red cell and plasma donations, Authorization to Release Protected Health Information, Read more about the national blood shortage. Finasteride, dutasteride and tamsulosin treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). If your doctor discontinues your treatment with these blood thinners, wait 2 days before returning to donate.