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Must be at least 16 years old*
Weigh at least 110 pounds*
Be in good general health
Bring your ID
Eat within 2 hours ahead of your donation
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids
Wait eight weeks between whole blood donations
Basic Eligibility
Basic eligibility requirements for blood donation
- Must be at least 16 years old. If 16-years-old, a signed parent guardian consent form is required each time you donate.
- 17-year-old donors do not need parental or guardian consent unless they live in these states (or their school requires it): Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Washington or Wyoming.
- Weigh at least 110 pounds.
- Minimum height and weight for donors 16 through 22 years of age:
- Males donors: Must be at least 5'0" tall and weigh at least 110 pounds
- Females donors: Refer to the chart below for eligibility. ≥ (greater than or equal to).
- Females ≥ 65 years old: If you are a new donor OR have not donated in the past 2 years, please see the minumum weight required by the height below.
- 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. To learn more about specific intervals and donation types visit Types of Blood Donation.
- You should not be under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs at the time of donation.
Additional requirements for platelet and Power Red donation
Platelet donors should avoid aspirin and/or aspirin-containing products 48 hours prior to donation and other anti-platelet medications.
Power Red donors must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Requirements for source plasma
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.