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Allogeneic Whole Blood Donations

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!

Criteria for Donating Whole Blood

  • 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 110 pounds
  • Be in good health
  • Eat normally prior to donation

Questions About Eligibility
Some health conditions or medications may temporarily or permanently prevent a person from donating blood. Be sure to bring the name(s) of the medication(s) you are taking.

If you have a question regarding your eligibility to donate and would like to discuss it, please contact the Blood Bank of Alaska donor center nearest you.

Medications and Health Conditions

Accutane 4 week wait from last dose
Allergy or asthma medicine (without steroids) - if experiencing no symptoms Can donate
Antibiotics Generally, 24 hours from last dose
Anti-depressants Can donate
Aspirin (if donating whole blood)
 Can donate
Aspirin (if donating platelets) 36 hour wait
Birth control pills Can donate
Blood pressure medicine Can donate
Blood transfusion or tissue transplant
12 month wait
Cancer - basal cell after removed
Can donate
Cancer - lymphoma or leukemia
Cannot donate
Cancer - all other types Can donate after 5 years “cancer free”
Childbirth - after delivery, miscarriage or abortion 6 week wait
Colds - fever, sore throat, cough Must be 72 hours symptom free
Diabetes - if well controlled Can donate
Diabetes - if “not” well controlled Cannot donate
Diet pills - as long as you’ve eaten Can donate
Ear piercing - sterile technique & single use device Can donate if BBA has letter on file
Body piercing - sterile technique & single use device Can donate if BBA has letter on file
Growth hormone - derived from pituitary gland Cannot donate
Heart attack, heart disease, or taking heart medicine Can donate with doctor’s approval
Hepatitis, after age 11 Cannot donate
Hormone replacement therapy Can donate
I.V. drug use - not prescribed by doctor Cannot donate
Jail or prison - more than 72 hours 12 month wait
Malaria 3 year wait
Male who has had sex with another male Cannot donate
Military employee or dependent - spent 6 months or more associated with military base in Europe between 1980 thru 1996 Check with Blood Bank of Alaska
Oral surgery, tooth extraction 3 day wait
Pregnancy Cannot donate
Propecia 4 week wait
Proscar 4 week wait
Residence or travel in the U.K. for a total of 3 months or more between 1980 thru 1996 Cannot donate
Residence or travel in Europe for a total of 5 years or more since 1980 Cannot donate
Sex with a person at risk for blood-borne disease (IV drug user, prostitute, person with AIDS) 12 month wait
Soriatane 3 year wait from last dose
Surgery (without transfusion) - after released from doctor’s care Can donate
Surgery (with transfusion) 12 month wait
Syphilis or Gonorrhea 12 month wait after treatment
Tattoos 12 month wait
Tegison Cannot donate
Thyroid medicine Can donate
Travel to malaria area;
Lived in malaria area		 1 year wait
3 year wait
Traveled to malaria risk in Korea;
Lived in malaria risk in Korea
 2 year wait
3 year wait
Vaccinations - MMR 4 week wait
Vaccinations - Flu, Hepatitis A & B 24 hour wait
Vaccination – Smallpox 56 day wait
Vitamins Can donate

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.

Problems After Donating
If you have any questions concerning your donation, or experience any unexpected problems, please call the Blood Bank of Alaska donor center nearest you.

How Can I Become a Blood Donor?
Contact your nearest Blood Bank of Alaska location to schedule your donation today.
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