Basic Requirements

• Must be in good general health and feel well
• Must weigh at least 110 pounds
• Must be 17 years old, or 16 with written parental consent
• Must wait 12 months after having a tattoo applied or ear or body piercing
• Must not have any open cuts
• Must not be pregnant
• Must be symptom free of cold or flu for 72 hours

Note on Medications
Most people taking medications, even prescription medications, are accepted as blood donors. Please bring a list of your medications with you to your blood donation. You may also want to call (574) 234-1157 before your donation to see if you are eligible to donate.

Note on International Travel
Anyone that has recently traveled to or lived in a malarial risk area will be temporarily deferred from donating blood. There is a 12-month deferral if you were in a risk area for 6 months or less; there is a 3-year deferral if you were in a risk area for more than 6 months. Please call (574) 234-1157 you have questions about your recent travels and donation eligibility.

Travel to the United Kingdom may also result in a deferral. You will not be able to donate blood if you fall into any of the following restrictions:

• If your time spent in the United Kingdom adds up to 3 months or more from 1980-1996. The United Kingdom includes England, N. Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands.
• If your time spent in Europe adds up to 5 years or more since 1980.
• If you spent 6 months or more on a military base in northern Europe from 1980 1990 or in southern Europe from 1980-1996.

Reminders for a better donation experience

• Eat breakfast or lunch before your donation.
• Drink extra water and fluids to replace the volume you will donate.
• Wear clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow.
• Relax!
• Enjoy the good feeling that comes with knowing that you have saved as many as 3 lives with your 1 donation!