Hepatitis B and blood donation, the honest answer

No, this one is a firm stop, for your safety or the patient’s. If you carry hepatitis B or ever tested positive, blood donation is permanently closed, but getting tested is free, and you protect others by knowing. ## The short answer Hepatitis B spreads through blood and lasts for life in carriers; no donation pathway exists that makes that blood safe for patients. This is not a judgement, it is pure infection control. Family can still support donation drives, and vaccination protects your loved ones. ## At the screening desk Tell the staff: Share your status with the centre honestly; screening tests every donation anyway. 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.