Blood Donation Eligibility

You may be wondering if you can donate blood. Donating blood is safe and easy to do. If you're in good health and meet the general eligibility criteria, then you are likely able to give blood. If you meet all eligibility criteria below, please schedule your appointment today to transform the lives of patients in need. If you've recently gotten a tattoo, traveled abroad or take medications and wonder if these affect your eligibility, please review how these might impact your eligibility.

Vitalant applauds the Food and Drug Administration’s final guidance issued on May 11, 2023, which evaluates blood donor eligibility regardless of sexual orientation or gender while maintaining the safety of the blood supply. Although we do not have a specific implementation date at this time, we will complete the transition as quickly as possible while ensuring compliance with the final guidance. Learn more.

COVID-19: Whatever your COVID-19 vaccination status, you may still give blood or platelets if you meet all general blood donation eligibility criteria. If you’ve had COVID-19 more than 10 days ago and your symptoms are resolving, you are eligible to donate. If you have received a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, you may give blood or platelets any time after your vaccination if you meet all general  blood donation eligibility criteria. COVID-19 FAQs and answers can be found here. 

Basic Requirements & Recommendations

  • Must be at least 16 years old (16- and some 17-year-olds must bring a signed permission form from a parent or guardian, if required by state or school).
  • Weigh at least 110 pounds. Certain height/weight criteria may apply for donors 22 years old or younger. For specific requirements in your area, please call 877-258-4825.
  • Be in good general health.
  • For your safety and to ensure a positive donation experience, make sure you eat within two hours ahead of your donation. Drink plenty of water that day and 24 to 48 hours beforehand. Feel free to help yourself to something to eat and drink in our refreshment area.
  • Bring your ID—something with your name and one of the following: date of birth, donor ID number or your photo.
  • You must wait eight weeks between whole blood donations. Learn more about specific intervals for other types of donation.
  • You should not be under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs at the time of donation.

Platelet donors should avoid aspirin and/or aspirin-containing products 48 hours prior to donation and other anti-platelet medications as listed here.


Power Red donors must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Unlike plasma that is donated specifically for patient transfusion, source plasma is collected and used to develop lifesaving medicines and therapies for patients with neurological disorders, immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders and more. Currently, Vitalant only offers voluntary source plasma donation opportunities to people who live in the Sacramento area.


Source plasma donors have specific eligibility requirements. Please call us at 877-258-4825 for more information.

The information above is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. It's important you review this information before scheduling an appointment.