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The major source of blood and blood components
in the United States comes from allogeneic or volunteer whole blood
donors. These donors freely give blood to the blood center for use
by patients. Allogeneic donors may donate whole blood every 56 days.
Being a whole blood donor is safe, simple, and
very fulfilling. You can help as many as three to four different
patients with just one donation. The entire whole blood donation
process takes about an hour. Blood cannot be manufactured. Individuals
who give blood assure an adequate supply is available - possibly
saving someone's life. Your donation is definitely needed!
- Must be at least 16 or 17 years old. 16 or 17 year olds can
donate blood with a signed parental consent form. Download
parental consent form.
- Weigh at least 113 pounds
- Be in good health
- Eat normally prior to donation
There are many permanent and temporary
reasons why someone may not be eligible to donate blood. Some common
reasons are listed below.
Most people with diabetes and most people on medications other than
those noted below are eligible to donate blood. For specific medical
eligibility guidelines, call us at (907) 222-5600.
Blood transfusion or tissue transplant
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12 months after receiving
blood |
Cancer
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Contact Blood Bank of Alaska for more
information,
(907) 222-5600 |
| Cold, sore throat, flu, cough |
3 days after symptoms end |
| Ear or body piercing |
No wait if Blood Bank of Alaska has approved
facility; 12 month wait if facility is not approved |
| Flu vaccination |
24 hour wait |
| Heart disease |
Contact Blood Bank of Alaska for more
information,
(907) 222-5600 |
| Hepatitis B vaccination |
1 month wait |
| Jail or prison - more than 72 hours |
12 month wait |
| Not feeling well for any reason |
Until symptoms end |
| Pregnancy, abortion or miscarriage |
6 weeks after end of pregnancy |
| Surgery |
After healed and released from doctor's
care |
| Syphilis or Gonorrhea |
12 months after treatment completed |
| Tattoo or permanent cosmetic |
One month wait if Blood Bank of Alaska
has approved facility; 12 month wait if facility is
not approved |
| Travel to area at risk for malaria |
12 months after return. Visit CDC.gov
for more information |
| MEDICATIONS |
WAITING TIME |
| Accutane, Proscar and Propecia |
4 weeks after taking last dose |
| Antibiotics |
Depends on reason for taking medication.
Generally, can donate after taking last dose |
| Mercaptopurine |
Contact Blood Bank of Alaska for more
information,
(907) 222-5600 |
| Methotrexate |
Contact Blood Bank of Alaska for more
information,
(907) 222-5600 |
| Soriatane |
3 years after taking last dose |
| Tegison |
Cannot donate |
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You may not donate blood if you have or have had:
• Hepatitis
• Internal malignancy (cancer) in the past 5 years.
• I.V. drug use not prescribed by a physician.
• Exposure to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) from
travel or living in United Kingdom and Europe.
• Belonged to a group at high risk of developing AIDS.
• Sexual contact with AIDS patient or with a member of a group
at high risk of contracting AIDS.
• Unexplained night sweating, skin eruptions, fevers, weight
loss, swollen lymph nodes or persistent diarrhea.
• Sexual contact with a prostitute or with the client of a
prostitute in the last 12 months
You Cannot Get AIDS from Donating Blood
Only sterile, disposable equipment is used throughout
the donation process, which makes it impossible to contract a disease
from donating blood.
If you have any questions concerning your donation, or experience
any unexpected problems, please call the Blood Bank of Alaska donor
center nearest you.
Contact your nearest Blood Bank of Alaska location
to schedule your donation today.
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