Despite the benefits in donating blood for both the donor and recipients, there are circumstances that may prevent someone willing to donate from doing so. This may be due to age, body size or the state of health of the individuals. The following therefore applies to an eligible blood donor. 

An eligible donor should:

1. Be an adult (≥18 years)
2. Not be elderly (<65 years)
3. Weigh at least 50kg
4. Be in good health: Not having cold, fever, sore throat and has not undergone recent procedures that may predispose to having infection such as major dental procedure.
5. Be free from communicable diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C etc.
6. Not donate earlier than three months after the last donation.
7. Not donate more than one pint of blood at a time.
8. Have haemoglobin level of ≥12g/dl (females) and 13g/dl (males)

What to do before donating blood?

Having been certified fit to donate blood, certain preparations need to be made by the donor. These include:

1. Adequate re-hydration: Drinking adequate water ensures the blood volume is optimal before blood donation and therefore, the donation will have little effect on the person’s stability after donating blood. It also allows free flow of blood in the needle.
2. Adequate nutrition: It is advisable to eat well before going for blood donation
3. Cloth with easy access to the arm: Short-sleeve cloth or any other cloth with easily rolled sleeves is appropriate for blood donation

Who should not donate blood?

People in the following category should not donate blood:

1. Those who have engaged in risky sexual behaviours in the last 12 months
2. Ever tested positive for HIV, hepatitis B, C or other blood-borne diseases
3. Use of recreational drugs
4. Pregnancy: Blood donation should not be done in pregnancy. Following pregnancy, the period to avoid blood donation should be as long as the duration of the pregnancy (at least 9 months)
5. Breastfeeding: Blood donation should be deferred till three months after weaning the baby from breast milk