In an emergency situation, blood can help save lives. But in order for patients in hospitals to receive a blood transfusion at all, they depend on blood donors: Only regular blood donations from healthy people can ensure that sick people can be helped if the worst comes to the worst. Because blood cannot be bought and artificial blood does not exist. With a donation, you could save the lives of accident victims or sick people. You can find out below what the requirements are for this.
Who is allowed to donate blood?
Any healthy adult between the ages of 18 and 72 with a minimum weight of 50 kg can donate blood. First-time donors must not have reached their 65th birthday.
Exceptions: Who is not allowed to donate?
Donation is not allowed for:
- Permanent intake of medication (for example, antihypertensive drugs).
- Acute allergies
- Severe iron deficiency
Also, do not donate if you are on sick leave or do not feel healthy. If you have diseases such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction or celiac disease, for example, you should consult your doctor beforehand. Dry alcoholics or former drug addicts should individually clarify whether they are suitable as blood donors.
Time restrictions for blood donation
Donations may only be made (time restricted):
- After symptoms have subsided when taking anti-allergic drugs (for example, in case of hay fever).
- 7 days after subsiding a mild infection.
- 4 weeks after stopping the use of an antibiotic.
- 6 months after travel to malaria epidemic areas and 12 months after travel to areas at risk of infection (for example, South America, Southeast Asia). When traveling to countries with increased risk of dengue fever, chikungunya or West Nile virus, a period of one month applies, provided that no symptoms have occurred during this time.
- 6 months after pregnancy or termination of pregnancy and only after weaning.
- 4 months after a tattoo, piercing piercings and ear holes or other cosmetic skin lesions (for example, permanent makeup).
- If 55 days have passed since the last blood donation. Women may donate four times in a year, men six times.
Waiting periods of up to four months may be required after surgery, depending on the type of procedure.
Hormonal contraception and supplements.
Donations may be made without restriction when taking:
- Vitamin tablets
- Iron supplements
- Birth control pills or hormone preparations for contraception
