Hepatitis C and blood donation

No, this one is a firm stop, for your safety or the patient’s. A past or present hepatitis C infection is a permanent stop for blood donation, treatment clears the virus but the deferral stays in India. ## The short answer Hepatitis C lives in blood; even after cure, Indian criteria keep the deferral, the safest possible rule. If you were treated and cleared, keep your reports, policies do get revisited, and your hepatologist can confirm status. ## At the screening desk Tell the staff: Disclose it at screening; every donation is tested regardless. 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.