There are reasons why you cannot donate blood, and you’re about to find out which are they. These 6 factors are decisive when it comes to donating blood.
The need for blood donations is endless. But did you know that only half a liter of blood can save the lives of up to three people? Most healthy individuals will have no problem donating blood, and they can do it as often as once every eight weeks. However, there are a few who are not able to donate their blood. The reasons why you cannot donate blood may surprise you. Look at them and see what you can do.
6 reasons why you cannot donate blood
1. Antibiotics
According to the American Red Cross (ARC), being on antibiotics does not automatically exclude the possibility of donating blood. It must be determined whether the medications are used to treat a bacterial infection that may be transmissible through the blood. However, even in the case where the infection is transmitted through the blood, individuals are allowed to donate blood after they have finished their course of oral antibiotics even if the last pill or pill was taken during the day of the donation.
In addition, people are not recommended to donate if they feel a general discomfort during the day of the donation.
2. Body size
In order to donate blood you must have at least 3400 ml of blood volume. The volume of blood is determined by body weight and height. Individuals with low blood volumes may not tolerate losing so much blood.
This means that, in general, men must be at least 1.24 m tall and weigh at least 50 kg. For women it is a little more complicated. In general, you should weigh at least 50 kilos, but women less than 1.67 m tall should be heavier in order to meet the weight requirement.
3. Problems with bleeding
If you have this health condition where blood does not coagulate normally, or if you take blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin (warfarin), should not donate blood as they may have excessive bleeding at the time of needle insertion. However, and according to the ARC, they are not automatically disqualified for blood donation. These people are advised to be evaluated by a health care professional at the blood donation center.
4. Cancer
Most people with a history of cancer are eligible to donate if more than 12 months have passed since their cancer was successfully treated. Skin cancers where the cancer has been completely removed do not need a waiting period of 12 months. However, people who have had blood cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma, may not be eligible to donate blood.
5. Tattoos / Piercings
Because of concerns about hepatitis, in many places donors are asked to wait a year after getting a tattoo and one year after a perforation of a “questionable source” before donating blood. Piercings of hygienic establishments do not require a waiting period.
6. Traveling
People who have traveled to areas and countries that are considered “at risk of malaria” are asked to wait one year after returning from their trip before donating blood. If you have lived in a country at risk for malaria for more than five years, you are asked to wait three years after returning before giving blood.
Read more: Discover The Blood Types Common Relations With Illnesses And Health Conditions!
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