Can you donate blood?
Most healthy adults can. The criteria below follow the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC), Government of India.
Age
18 to 65 years
Weight
At least 45 kg
Haemoglobin
12.5 g/dL or more
Gap between donations
90 days
You can donate if all of these are true
- You are between 18 and 65 years old.
- You weigh at least 45 kg. A 350 ml donation needs 45 kg; a 450 ml donation needs at least 50 kg.
- Your haemoglobin is at least 12.5 g/dL. The blood bank checks this on the day, free of charge.
- It has been at least 90 days (3 months) since you last gave whole blood.
- You feel well today, and have no infection or fever.
- You are not taking medication for malaria, tuberculosis, diabetes or seizures.
When you should wait, or not donate
Most of these are temporary. Being deferred once does not mean you can never donate.
Short-term reasons to wait
- A cold, fever or any infection in the past week.
- Currently taking antibiotics or completing a course of them.
- Any vaccination in the past 24 hours.
- Alcohol in the past 24 hours.
- A tattoo, piercing or acupuncture in the past 6 months.
- Major surgery in the past 6 months, or minor surgery in the past month.
- Dental extraction in the past 48 hours.
- You felt faint or unwell during a previous donation.
Ongoing medical reasons
- Heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or epilepsy.
- Diabetes treated with insulin.
- Chronic kidney or liver disease.
- A history of cancer.
- A bleeding or clotting disorder.
- You receive blood products as ongoing treatment.
- Regular medication such as aspirin, corticosteroids, hormone therapy, or drugs for blood pressure or diabetes — ask the blood bank, as some are fine.
Infection risk
- You have tested positive for HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
- Syphilis, malaria or filariasis, until fully treated and cleared.
- You have ever injected recreational drugs, or shared a needle.
- Unprotected sex with a new or high-risk partner in the past 6 months.
Pregnancy and menstruation
- Do not donate during pregnancy.
- Wait 6 months after childbirth, and until you have finished breastfeeding.
- Wait 6 months after a miscarriage or termination.
- Avoid donating during a heavy period or when you have cramps. A normal period is not itself a bar.
This page is guidance, not a medical assessment.
A blood bank's medical officer checks your haemoglobin, blood pressure, pulse and
history before every donation. If something here does not match your situation,
ask them — they decide, not this page.
What happens on the day
- Registration. Photo ID, and a short health questionnaire.
- Screening. Haemoglobin, blood pressure, pulse and temperature. Free, and takes a few minutes.
- Donation. The draw itself takes 5 to 10 minutes. A fresh sterile needle is used once and discarded.
- Rest and refreshments. Sit or lie down for 15 to 20 minutes, have a drink and a snack.
Allow about 45 minutes in total. Your plasma volume is back within 24 to 48 hours; red cells take a few weeks, which is why the gap between donations is 90 days.