Common Deferral Misconceptions

For many, the potential to save a life flows in their veins. Unfortunately, too many potential blood donors have misconceptions about medical reasons they cannot donate (also known as “deferrals”). For example, donors who have tattoos, anemia, are taking certain medications, who have diabetes or even those who have had cancer, are able to donate. See below for more details:

Anemia: “I can’t give blood because I am anemic.”

Anemia is usually a temporary low-iron condition that can be corrected with a change in diet. Eating many types of meat, fortified cereal and leafy green vegetables may correct low iron conditions. Email us for more information.

Medication: “I am on antibiotics, so I can’t give.”

There are many medications that may constitute only a temporary deferral. In some cases, taking certain pain killers and antibiotics may not cause a deferral. If your health is stable, you may still be able to donate blood while taking most medications for conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Email us for more information.

Diabetes: “I have diabetes, so I can’t donate.”

This is not entirely true. If your diabetes is being treated and is under control, you are most likely able to donate blood. You should let your doctor know that you plan to donate. Email us for more information.

Cancer: “My cancer is in remission so I can’t donate.”

This may be the most commonly misunderstood deferral of all. Most basal cell or localized skin cancers are not deferrals. Some melanomas are not deferrals and others many cause a 1-year deferral. Many types of cancers with a 1-year remission are not deferrals for donating blood. Because many different types of cancer exist, a blood screening is recommended, and in some cases the blood center medical director may make the final determination on the deferral. Email us for more information.

Tattoos and body piercing: “I don’t donate because I have a tattoo or piercing.”

Even though tattoos and body piercings are usually permanent, it doesn’t mean that they are a permanent reason not to donate. Getting a tattoo or body piercing in the state of Florida within 12 months prior to donating is a deferral. There is a four month deferral period for tattoos or piercings that take place within a regulated state. Documented proof showing the date and location of the procedure will be required. For example, a person who has had a tattoo applied in Arkansas within 12 months of donating may be eligible to donate. A person has to wait at least one week from the procedure date, however, before donating in order to make sure the tattoo site has healed properly.) Email us for more information.

Too old: “You don’t want my blood, I’m too old.”

This is a common self-deferral. If you are in good health, and qualify for other eligibility guidelines, you can donate blood regardless of age. A number of regular donors over the age of 80 give blood with Florida’s Blood Centers. Email us for more information.

Too young: “I thought you had to be at least 18 years old to donate.”

Florida’s Blood Centers and many other blood centers accept blood donations from donors 16 years old and older. 16 and 17-year-old donors, however, have to acquire a signed permission document from their parents or a guardian before the donation. The necessary documents are available here, or at any blood center locations or on any Big Red Bus. Email us for more information.

Travel or former residence: “I vacationed in England, so I can’t donate because of mad cow disease.”

That’s not entirely true. Those who lived in the United Kingdom for a total of 3 months or more from 1980-1996 are ineligible to donate blood. There are several travel locations that may cause a 1-year deferral, such as Mexico, parts of China and parts of the Philippines. Email us for more information.

Surgery or minor illnesses: “I had dental surgery last week, so I can’t donate.”

Donors are required to feel well at the time of donation, so a cold, flu or allergies may temporarily prevent someone from donating. Donors must wait at least 24 hours for many minor surgeries, including dental work. Donors should rely on our screening process to determine surgery or illness deferrals. Many times the blood center medical director may make this determination. Email us for more information.

Pregnancy: “I have a 2-month-old newborn, so I can’t donate.”

The answer is “yes you can” in most cases. Pregnant women are not eligible to donate blood, but they become eligible six weeks after giving birth. Women who are nursing are encouraged to drink plenty of water both before and after donating blood.

Because of a medical condition known TRALI (transfusion-related acute lung injury), blood centers may question women who have had three or more pregnancies. The question is intended to protect the recipient of the donated blood, since multiple pregnancies may cause women to develop antibodies that could harm a recipient patient. Email us for more information.