Reasons Why You Cannot Donate Blood

Human blood is something that is always in short supply. There are several reasons for this including the short shelf life of blood, the need to match blood types and myths associated with donating blood. Another key reason for shortage of blood is that not everyone can donate blood. You may feel that you are quite healthy, but that alone does not make you eligible to donate blood. To better understand this topic, let’s take a look at reasons when you cannot donate blood.

Age – For folks below 17 years, blood donation is not allowed.

Weight height ratio – Volume of blood in the body is calculated based on weight height ratio. If your weight-height ratio does not match the stated requirements, you will be barred from donating blood.

Allergy – If you are allergic to something and are currently experiencing symptoms such as breathing issues, fever, cough, etc., you may be barred from donating blood. However, if you don’t have any symptoms currently, you could be allowed to donate blood.

Antibiotics – If you are taking antibiotics for a severe infection, you may be barred from donating blood. The doctor will take a decision based on whether there’s a possibility of the infection getting transmitted through the donated blood.

Asthma – If you are experiencing breathing issues, you may not be allowed to donate blood.

Blood thinners – If you are taking blood thinner medication, you will not be allowed to donate blood. Similarly, you will be barred if you have bleeding issues wherein your blood does not clot normally.

Blood pressure – If your blood pressure is above 180/100 or below 90/50, your doctor may decide not to take blood from you.

Heart disease – If you recently had a heart attack, angina, angioplasty, or other heart related issues, you may not be eligible for donating blood.

Diabetes – If your blood sugar levels are uncontrolled, you may be barred from donating blood.

Virus infections – If you have viral infections such as Ebola, hepatitis, HIV, Zika, Covid-19, etc., you may not be allowed to donate blood.

High or low pulse rate – If your pulse rate is less than 50 or more than 100, you may not be eligible to donate blood.

Pre-existing diseases – In case of diseases such as tuberculosis, cancer, syphilis, gonorrhea, etc., blood donation is usually not allowed.

Pregnancy – Pregnant women are not allowed to donate blood. At least 6 weeks are needed post child birth to become eligible for blood donation.

Human blood is one of the biggest life savers. Apart from surgeries and accident victims, blood is also needed to recuperate from various types of diseases. If you can and are eligible, you should always come forward to help whenever there’s a need.

As per American Red Cross, you can donate blood again after a gap of at least eight weeks. That’s the approximate time the body takes to replace the red blood cells. You should also share and discuss with friends and family so that they too can come forward to donate blood and save lives.