Donation Prep
Can You Donate Blood If You Are Pregnant?
No, you cannot donate blood if you are pregnant. In 2015, a study showed that up to 52% of pregnant women worldwide have an iron deficiency. Anemia, or low iron, occurs when the body either does not make enough healthy red blood cells or they do not work efficiently, and this can prevent the body…
Read MoreCan You Donate Blood If You Have a Tattoo?
The quick answer is yes, you can donate blood if you have one or multiple tattoos. How soon after a tattoo can you donate blood? You can donate after 7 days as long as you received your tattoo in a state-regulated, licensed parlor using sterile needles and non-reusable ink. If these requirements aren’t met, it…
Read MoreMedicine Deferral List
In an effort to make medical deferral information more easily accessible, we have put together this post listing all the medical deferrals that are currently in place. These deferrals are first categorized by what they do, then by their medical and market name, then by the deferral time. If you need help with learning more…
Read MoreWho Can Donate Plasma: The Ultimate Guide to Plasma Donations
You may be wondering who can donate plasma, what it is, and how the process works. We will be covering all of that and more in this article. What is blood plasma? The liquid portion of blood that suspends various cells such as red blood cells, platelets, and other cells in our bloodstream is referred…
Read MoreFoods to Eat Before Donating Blood: Pre-Donation Food List
Overview In this article, we will discuss the foods that you should consider eating before donating blood to avoid feeling weak, dizzy, or faint after donating. Donating blood is an act of kindness that can save lives. However, many people feel weak and dizzy after donating blood, which can be attributed to the lack of…
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