Antibiotics and blood donation, when can you donate?

Not right now, but most waits are short. While on antibiotics and for a short stretch after finishing the course, donation waits, you donate once the infection is fully treated and you feel well. ## The short answer The reason is the infection being treated, and giving your body a clean buffer after the course. This matches the general sickness rule: recovered, finished the medicine, feeling well. ## The usual wait Commonly until the course is finished plus a brief buffer, the centre confirms. Nobody is turned away forever for most of these, the register will still be here when the wait ends. ## At the screening desk Tell the staff: Antibiotic name, what it is treating, and your last dose day. That conversation is confidential and takes a minute, it exists so the medical officer can clear you safely on the day. Everyone meets the same basics: age 18,65, weight 50 kg+, haemoglobin on target, feeling well today. Men donate every 3 months, women every 4, the rest rules, simply. Not sure about your case? Try the Can I donate? checker or read who can donate and the deferral list in plain words. Still weighing it? Is blood donation safe? and the honest side-effects list are straight answers, not brochure talk. ## The one line that matters The medical officer at the centre makes the final call on the day, with your name, your file and your actual reading in front of them. Use this page to walk in informed, not to overrule anyone. Related: donate blood when sick