Basic Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
You may be eligible to donate blood if you:  
  • are in general good health
  • are 17 years of age or older
  • weigh at least 110 pounds
  • have at least 12.5 gm/dl of hemoglobin
  • have not donated whole blood in the last 8 weeks, or double red blood cells in the last 16 weeks
  • have normal blood pressure, pulse and temperature
  • do not have a cold or sore throat
  • are not pregnant
  • are not under a doctor’s care for any serious illness or injury
  • are not taking antibiotics for an active infection 
 
You may also be eligible to donate if you:  
  • have high blood pressure controlled by medication
  • have diabetes controlled by medication
  • are taking common anti-depressants
  • are taking birth control pills
  • have had a tattoo or piercing at a state licensed facility
 
For more specific requirements, read the following Donor Educational Materials:
 
 
If you have a specific question regarding your eligibility, please contact the Coastal Bend Blood Center at 800.299.4943 or questions@coastalbendbloodcenter.org. All inquiries are confidential.