Donating blood after a stroke

No, this one is a firm stop, for your safety or the patient’s. A past stroke generally closes blood donation, the cause and the medicines both point the same way. ## The short answer Stroke history commonly means vessel disease and blood thinners, either of which defers. If your stroke had a fully reversible cause (rare), a specialist letter can reopen the conversation, expect a no. ## At the screening desk Tell the staff: Full history including medicines. 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.