Basic Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

PLEASE NOTE: All donors must present Photo I.D. at time of donation. To ensure the safety of both patients and donors, these are some of the requirements donors must meet to be eligible to donate blood.

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, if 17 year of age must weigh 115+ pounds
  • Have the following criteria:
    • Females: 12.5 gm/dl of hemoglobin or 38%-60% hematocrit
    • Males: 13.0 gm/dl of hemoglobin or 39%-60% hematocrit
  • Have a pulse range between 50-100
  • 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

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.