Blood Donation Eligibility Criteria in India

General Eligibility Criteria

To donate blood in India, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be in good health and feeling well.
  • Be between 18 and 65 years of age.
  • Weigh at least 45 kg (for whole blood donation) or 50 kg (for apheresis donation).
  • Have a minimum hemoglobin level of 12.5 g/dL.
  • Have normal vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure).

Eligibility by Donation Type

1. Whole Blood Donation

  • Frequency: Males every 3 months; Females every 4 months.
  • Requirements: Meet general eligibility criteria.

2. Power Red Donation (Double Red Cells)

  • Frequency: Typically every 112 days.
  • Additional Requirements: Specific age (18-60 years) and minimum weight (50 kg).

3. Platelet Donation (Apheresis)

  • Frequency: Every 7 days, up to 24 times a year.
  • Requirements: Meet general eligibility criteria, minimum weight 50 kg, age 18-60 years.
  • A minimum gap is required between whole blood and apheresis donations.

4. Plasma Donation (Apheresis)

  • Frequency: Every 7 days, up to 24 times a year.
  • Requirements: Meet general eligibility criteria, minimum weight 50 kg, age 18-60 years.
  • Certain blood types may be preferred.

Reasons for Temporary Ineligibility (Deferral Periods)

You may be temporarily deferred from donating blood if you:

  • Are currently ill (e.g., cold, flu, fever).
  • Have low hemoglobin.
  • Are pregnant, recently delivered, or breastfeeding.
  • Have recently received tattoos, body piercings, or acupuncture.
  • Have recently undergone surgery or certain dental procedures.
  • Have recently recovered from certain infectious diseases (e.g., Malaria, Dengue, Typhoid).
  • Have recently received certain vaccinations.
  • Have recently received a blood transfusion.

Reasons for Permanent Ineligibility

You will be permanently deferred from donating blood if you have:

  • A history of serious infectious diseases (e.g., HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B or C).
  • Certain chronic medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, epilepsy).
  • A history of intravenous drug use.
  • Engaged in high-risk behavior that may transmit blood-borne diseases.

Additional Notes

  • Medications: Inform the blood center staff about all medications you are currently taking.
  • Always Consult: Final eligibility is determined by the medical officer at the blood donation center after a thorough medical examination and interview. If you have any doubts, please consult the blood donation center directly.