Questions About Eligibility

Questions About Eligibility

Some health conditions or medications may temporarily or permanently prevent persons from donating blood.

Medical Conditions

AIDS-individuals at high risk and their partners	cannot donate

Colds and flu	cannot donate

Diabetes on injectable insulin on oral medications (controlled)	cannot donate can donate

Hepatitis and Jaundice after Age 11	cannot donate

Malaria in malaria area (with or without medications)	contact BBH cannot donate

Pregnancy after delivery, miscarriage, abortion	six-week wait

Menstruation	can donate

Medical Procedures

Surgery
without transfusion

with transfusion of blood or blood components

can donate

1-year wait

Medications

Antibiotics oral injectable	seven day wait from last dose seven day wait from last dose

Allergy Medications, Diuretics, Diet Pills, Sleeping Pills, Tranquilizers, Aspirin, Tylenol	can donate

Blood Pressure Medication	can donate

Vaccinations

Measles, Mumps, Rubella	one-month wait

Flu	can donate

Hepatitis B	can donate

Other Possible Restrictions

Ear Piercing professionally done non-professionally done	can donate 12-month wait

Tattooing Body Piercing	12-month wait 12-month wait

Donation Process

Prospective donors first complete a health history questionnaire and screening interview.
The next step involves a brief physical examination of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and a test for blood count.
If the prescribed medical requirements are met, a unit (about one pint) of blood is drawn from the donor. After resting for 5 minutes, donors are served refreshments.
The entire process usually takes less than one hour.

You Cannot Get AIDS From Donating Blood
Only sterile, disposable equipment is used throughout the donation process, which makes it virtually impossible to contract a disease from donating blood.

Where to Donate
Call the Blood Bank of Hawaii at 845-9966 for the most convenient donation center for a map, driving directions and hours.