The Kraft Family Mass General Hospital Blood Donor Center

Blood donor eligibility guidelines

All blood donors must meet Massachusetts General Hospital’s eligibility requirements to donate whole blood, platelets, or red blood cells. Donors must complete a questionnaire, which includes health and lifestyle questions, at their blood donation appointment to determine eligibility.

Basic requirements for blood donation

• Donors must be in good health and feel well the day of their donation
• Donors must be at least 17 years of age, or 16 with parental consent (16-year-old parental consent form)
• Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and no more than 350 pounds
• Donors must show a photo ID
• View eligibility guidelines

Donation frequency

• Whole Blood: Every 56 days
• Platelets: Every 7 days
• Double Red Cells: Every 112 days

Covid-19, RSV, and Flu vaccines/boosters require NO WAITING period to donate as long as you are feeling well and healthy.

Health conditions

• Antibiotics: Donors are deferred for 24 hours after their final dose.
• Cancer: Donors with a history of most types of cancer are eligible to donate 1 year from the date of their last treatment.

Exceptions

There is no deferral period for donors with a history of:

• Basal cell carcinoma of the skin
• Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
• Carcinoma-in-situ or Dysplasia of the cervix or breast, if treated or completely removed and healed

There is a permanent deferral for donors with a history of:

• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia

Other conditions

• Colds: Donors are not eligible if they are not feeling well and healthy the day of donation.
• COVID-19: Donors are eligible 10 days after the resolution of symptoms OR a positive test if remained asymptomatic (no symptoms)
• Diabetes: Donors with diabetes (type I or II) are eligible to donate.
• Dental Work: Donors are eligible to donate following routine dental work.
• Gonorrhea: Donor is deferred for 3 months after date of last treatment.
• Heart Attack: Further evaluation is needed. Please email us.
• Hepatitis/Hepatitis Exposure: Donor is deferred for 12 months after hepatitis B or hepatitis C exposure.
• Viral Hepatitis: Donor with a history of infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) is indefinitely deferred, regardless of symptoms, spontaneous resolution, or treatment.
• Hemochromatosis: Donor is not eligible to donate
• High Blood Pressure: Donors with high blood pressure are eligible to donate if their blood pressure is controlled with medication.
• Pregnant: Donors who are pregnant or less than six weeks postpartum are not eligible to donate.
• Stitches: Donors are not eligible while stitches/sutures are still in.
• Transfusion: Donor is deferred for 3 months after a transfusion of blood or blood components.

HIV/AIDS

Individuals who have had a positive test for HIV/AIDS or who have been at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS are permanently deferred from blood donation.

The following risk factors require a permanent deferral:

• Have any signs or symptoms of AIDS such as: fevers, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, cough, diarrhea, swollen glands, white spots in the mouth, or purple or blue bumps on the skin

The following risk factors require a 3-month deferral from the date of occurrence:

• Use of nonprescription drugs or steroids by needle in the last 3 months
• Have taken drugs or money for sex in the last 3 months
• Have had sex, even once, with someone who has taken money or drugs in exchange for sex
• Accidental needle stick
• Had a new and/or multiple partners it the last 3 months and have had anal sex in the last 3 months
• Have taken, by mouth, any medication to prevent HIV (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in the last 3 months

There is now a two-year deferral to donate blood if you:

• Have taken, by injection, any medication to prevent HIV infection (i.e., PrEP, PEP)

Anyone taking Truvada (tenofovir), Descovy (emtricitabine), Tivicay (dolutegravir), or Isentress (raltegravir) must wait 3 months since last dose, and anyone taking Apretude (cabotegravir) will be deferred for 2 years since last dose.

Donors who have ever taken medications to treat HIV, such as ART cannot donate.

Travel

Malarial-Endemic Areas: Donor is deferred for 3 months after travel to a malarial-endemic area. Please note we use the CDC’s Yellow Book to determine Malarial Risk – you can get more information here.

Donors who have lived in a malarial-endemic area are deferred for 3 years after moving to a non-malarial area. However, the 3 years MUST not include any visits to ANY malarial area. If a visit occurs, the 3-year deferral begins again.

For questions regarding travel, please contact The Kraft Family Blood Donor Center.

Other lifestyle factors

• Ear/Body Piercing: Donor is eligible if piercing was performed using sterile single-use equipment.
• Tattoos: Donor is deferred for 3 months after getting a tattoo.

Platelet donation eligibility guidelines

In addition to the eligibility guidelines for blood donations, platelet donors must:

• Weigh at least 110 lbs
• Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing products for 48 hours prior to platelet donation

If you have ever had a pregnancy, we ask that you donate whole blood prior to a platelet donation.

Frequently asked questions about donating blood

Who can donate blood?

Anyone in good health that is at least 16 (with parent consent) and weighs 110 lbs may be eligible to donate. Please view our eligibility guidelines.

Why should I donate blood?

The answer is simple – You could save up to 3 people’s lives! Blood can only be given from one person to another – there is no other source! Volunteer blood donors are needed daily to give blood for the thousands of patients who need it. Less than 5% of the eligible population donates. However, more than 90% of the population will need blood in their lifetime.

Who uses my blood?

Your donated blood is used as part of life-saving treatment for a patient at MGH, Mass General Brigham for Children, Spaulding Rehab, Shriners Burn Hospital for Children, and Massachusetts Eye and Ear. Blood is needed every day by patients spanning from newborn to geriatrics. The blood you donate will help to save up to 3 lives!

How much blood is taken during a donation?

A little less than one pint of blood (about 450 mL) is taken for each whole blood donation.

How much blood is in my body?

Depending on weight, the average adult has between 9-12 pints of blood in their body.

How long will it take to replenish my blood after donation?

The blood volume is typically replaced within 24 hours. Red blood cells take between 4-6 weeks to completely replace, which is why the FDA requires an 8 week wait between blood donations.

Does it hurt to donate blood?

Worrying about how it will feel is generally the biggest concern. Fortunately, what you feel is no different from a regular blood draw – most donors will feel an initial pinch, without further discomfort.

How will I feel after donating blood?

Most people feel fine after donation! Immediately after, you will be invited to have some juice/water and a snack. Regular activities can generally be resumed right after. We do ask that you refrain from any heavy lifting or extraneous exercise immediately after.

How long does donating take?

If you schedule an appointment, the entire process will take about 30-40 minutes (for whole blood donations). The actual blood draw takes about five to seven minutes.

What happens to my blood after I donate?

Your donation will be typed and tested for multiple infectious diseases. Blood is then separated into its 3 components (red blood cells, plasma, and platelets). After testing, the blood is stored in refrigerated cases until it is needed. Blood does not stay on the shelf long – most units are used within days of donation.

Why do minority populations especially need to donate blood?

There is a greater amount of blood types O and B in minority populations than in Caucasians. Because large amounts of blood are needed to treat Sickle Cell disease, which appears primarily in minority populations, there is a growing need for minority blood donors.

Of the 5 percent of the population that donates blood, only 10 percent are African-American or Hispanic. During transfusions the patient's blood must match as closely as possible in both the type and specific antigens of the blood being transfused. Because we inherit certain antigens from our ancestors, someone of the same race and ethnicity is typically found to be a better match for them.

I don’t know my blood type. Can I donate?

Yes, in fact you will receive a card several weeks after your donation which will let you know your blood type! All types are always needed!

Can I donate blood directly for my (brother, husband, child, friend)?

Blood is donated towards the general supply. You can make an honorary donation, in which we will give you a card that can be presented to your family member or friend letting them know that you donated blood in their name.

I had COVID-19. Can I donate?

Yes, you can donate 10 days from the last day of symptoms or a positive test if you remained asymptomatic (without symptoms).

I don’t live near MGH. Can I donate anywhere else?

Yes, our bloodmobile goes out every day throughout Eastern MA – find a drive near you.

I had a Flu/COVID/RSV shot or booster. How long do I have to wait?

There is no wait time for COVID, RSV, or flu shots/boosters as long as you are feeling well and healthy.

I had a tattoo or piercing. Can I donate?

You are eligible 3 months after a tattoo. There is no waiting time for a piercing if done using sterile single-use equipment.

WAIT, I lived in the UK and was told I can’t donate! Can I donate now?

YES! The FDA has recently revised their guidelines on donors from the UK and Europe. Please visit our eligibility guidelines.

I am part of the LGBTQ+ community. Can I donate?

Maintaining a safe and diverse blood supply is one of the highest priorities for The Kraft Family Blood Donor Center. We strongly support the use of rational, science-based deferral periods that are applied consistently among blood donors, and that treat all potential donors with fairness, equality and respect.

On May 11, 2023, the FDA issued final guidance regarding an individual donor assessment for all blood donors regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The Kraft Family Blood Donor Center agrees with data-driven changes in blood donation policies intended to keep the blood supply safe. Deferring prospective blood donors based on sexual orientation is no longer supported by data.

In alignment with the new donor criteria, The Kraft Family Blood Donor Center has worked on changes to our regulated processes and is now ready to welcome those who were previously ineligible to donate. Please be advised there are other eligibility guidelines that may still prevent you from donating. We suggest reviewing ALL eligibility guidelines prior to presenting to donate.

Can gay or bisexual men donate blood?

Yes, we no longer ask questions based on gender. With the new “individual donor assessment,” donors will no longer be asked questions based on gender. Rather, donors will be asked questions based on individual risk assessment, including recent (3 month) sexual history with new or multiple partners.

There is a now a three-month deferral to donate blood if you:

• Had a new or multiple partners in the last 3 months and have had anal sex in the past 3 months.
• Have taken, by mouth, any medication to prevent HIV (pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in the last 3 months.

There is now a two-year deferral to donate blood if you:

• Have taken, by injection, any medication to prevent HIV Infection (i.e., PrEP, PEP)

Can lesbians or bisexual women who have sex with women donate blood?

Yes, per FDA guidelines there is no deferral for women who have had sex with other women.

Can transgender or intersex individuals donate blood?

Yes, per FDA guidelines there is no deferral for transgender or intersex individuals. Donors can self-identify their gender selection. We no longer ask questions based on gender. With the new "individual donor assessment," donors will no longer be asked questions based on gender. Rather, donors will be asked questions based on individual risk assessment, including recent (3 month) sexual history with new or multiple partners.

I tried to donate blood in the past and was turned away due to MSM encounters. Can I donate now?

Since May 11th, our staff have worked to update our processes, systems, and training to implement these FDA guidance changes and expand eligibility. We are now ready to accept donors who may have previously been deferred from donating blood.

In the past a potential donor was deferred from donating blood in the USA if they were anyone who:

• Was a man who had sex with another man in the past 3 months
• Had sex with a man who had sex with another man in the past 3 months

The Kraft Family Blood Donor Center would like to invite back all who were deferred for the above reasons.

With the new “individual donor assessment,” donors will no longer be asked questions based on gender. Rather, donors will be asked questions based on individual risk assessment, including recent (3 month) sexual history with new or multiple partners.

There is a now a three-month deferral to donate blood if you:

• Had a new or multiple partners in the last 3 months and have had anal sex in the past 3 months.
• Have taken, by mouth, any medication to prevent HIV (pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in the last 3 months.

There is now a two-year deferral to donate blood if you:

• Have taken, by injection, any medication to prevent HIV Infection (i.e., PrEP, PEP)

I am a man in a same-sex marriage for over ten years; can I donate blood?

Yes, as long as you have not had new or multiple partners and anal sex in the past 3 months, you are eligible.

I am currently taking medications to prevent HIV infection (PrEP or PEP such as Truvada, Descovy, Tivicay, Isentress, or Apretude). Can I donate blood?

No. Anyone taking Truvada (tenofovir), Descovy (emtricitabine), Tivicay (dolutegravir), or Isentress (raltegravir) will be deferred for 3 months since last dose, and anyone taking Apretude (cabotegravir) will be deferred for 2 years since last dose.

There is now a two-year deferral to donate blood if you:

• Have taken, by injection, any medication to prevent HIV Infection (i.e., PrEP, PEP)

I am on medication. Can I donate?

Yes, most medications are acceptable for donation – please see our medication list.

Do I get any compensation for donating?

No, blood used for transfusion must be donated by volunteers.

Can I donate plasma?

MGH does not collect plasma.