Blood Donation Requirements
There is no doubt that blood donations save lives. The American Red Cross is probably the most well known agency that collects blood donations. It is also the strictest in its blood donation requirements. The health questionnaires are usually done on the honor system, so the donor may be mistaken or deceptive about meeting the blood donor requirements, and so there are also tests performed at the donation site, and also at the collection center to make sure the blood is safe. It is up to the individual to judge whether they meet Blood Donation Requirements designed to keep them safe and healthy.
The first requirement is positive identification, and that is pretty standard. Once you have shown positive ID like a drive's license, a blood donation agency identification card can be issued. There are also weight requirements for donating blood, you cannot be underweight. An iron test will be performed as well. It is not healthy for you to donate blood if you are anemic.
The collecting agencies must do all that they can to protect the health of those who donate blood, while also maintaining a safe blood supply in general. That is why so many tests are run and questions are asked at the collection site every time a donation is made. Physical indicators of health besides the weight and the hemoglobin issues are pulse, respiration, temperature, blood pressure and chronic health conditions. A donor can also help their own readiness by eating a well balanced diet, with plenty of iron for the days preceding donation. Drinking adequate fluids is also a recommendation.
Blood bank requirements will not allow underage or overage donations. Guidelines for age requirements vary with procedure and from state to state. Most health conditions and medications will not exclude a person from donating. Travel and foreign residency guidelines are suggested and enforced. Whole blood donations are on a standard interval of no closer than 56 days.