Blood Donation Eligibility Calculator

Find out when you can next donate blood based on your donation type and last donation date. Enter your age, weight, donation type (Whole Blood, Power Red, Platelets, or Plasma), and the date of your last donation — the calculator tells you your next eligible donation date and how many days remain.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions.

Select the type of donation you made or plan to make.

Enter the date of your most recent donation.

years

You must be at least 16 years old in most states.

lbs

Minimum weight requirement is 110 lbs for whole blood.

Are you in good health and feeling well today? *

Have you had a cold, flu, or fever in the past 7 days? *

Have you had a tattoo or piercing in the past 3 months? *

Results

Days Until Eligible

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Eligibility Status

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Next Eligible Date

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Max Donations Per Year

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Required Wait Period

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I donate whole blood?

You can donate whole blood every 56 days (8 weeks), up to 6 times per year. This waiting period allows your body to replenish red blood cells lost during donation.

What are the requirements for a Power Red donation?

Power Red donations require a wait of at least 112 days between donations, up to 3 times per year. Male donors must be at least 17 years old, at least 5'1" tall, and weigh at least 130 lbs. Female donors must be at least 19, at least 5'5", and weigh at least 150 lbs.

How often can I donate platelets?

You can donate platelets every 7 days, up to 24 times per year. Because platelets are collected through a process called apheresis and your red cells are returned, the recovery period is much shorter than whole blood.

What are common reasons people can't donate blood?

Common disqualifications include having a recent illness (cold, flu, or fever), recent tattoos or piercings in an unregulated facility (within 3 months), certain medications, travel to specific countries, low hemoglobin levels, or weighing under 110 lbs. Most deferrals are temporary.

What is the minimum age to donate blood?

In most U.S. states, the minimum age to donate whole blood is 16 with parental consent, or 17 without. Some donation types like Power Red require donors to be at least 17. There is no upper age limit as long as you are in good health.

Does having a tattoo prevent me from donating blood?

Not necessarily. If your tattoo was applied in a state-regulated facility using sterile equipment, you may be eligible to donate without any waiting period. However, if the tattoo was done in an unregulated setting, a 3-month deferral period typically applies.

How long does a blood donation take?

A whole blood donation typically takes about 8–10 minutes for the actual draw, with the full process including registration, health screening, and refreshments taking about 45–60 minutes. Platelet and plasma donations take longer, often 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

What should I do before donating blood?

Drink plenty of water (at least 16 oz) before your donation, eat a healthy meal, get a good night's sleep, and avoid fatty foods which can affect blood testing. Wearing a short-sleeved shirt also makes the process easier.