Almost everyone CAN donate. But “almost” matters, because a patient receiving blood has no immune defences to spare. Here is the complete list, first the permanent ones, then the temporary waits. ## Never allowed (permanent deferrals) - HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C, ever, regardless of treatment
- Heart disease that limits daily activity (history of heart attack, heart failure)
- Cancer, most types (some treated, cured, low-grade cases differ; the centre’s doctor decides case by case)
- Kidney or liver disease on ongoing treatment, see kidney patients and donation and fatty liver
- Uncontrolled diabetes on insulin
- Epilepsy / fits on medication
- Bleeding disorders (haemophilia and similar)
- Asthma that is severe or uncontrolled
- Tuberculosis, active, or incompletely treated ## Wait and come back (temporary deferrals) | Situation | Wait | |---|---| | Fever, cold, flu, sore throat | 14 days after full recovery | | Antibiotics (any course) | 2 weeks after finishing | | Dental extraction / root canal | 1 week (minor), longer for major work | | Tattoo, piercing, acupuncture | 6 months | | Alcohol in the last 24 hours | 24 hours | | Pregnancy, and after delivery | 6 months minimum after delivery | | Miscarriage / abortion | 6 months | | Major surgery | 6,12 months | | Minor surgery | 2,4 weeks | | Vaccines | 2,4 weeks for live vaccines; a few days for most others | | Malaria (recovered) | 3 months; having visited a malaria area, 1 month | | Dengue (recovered) | 2,4 weeks (some centres 6 months) | | Blood transfusion received | 6 months | ## The ones people argue about, settled plainly - Age: 18,65. Under 18 means under 18, no exceptions, however healthy.
- Weight: 50 kg minimum, the underweight donor guide explains why and what to do.
- Haemoglobin: 12.5 g/dL minimum, the finger-prick test at the centre decides.
- Periods: you can donate during your period if you feel well, details here.
- Gay men: India’s rule currently defers men who have sex with men indefinitely, the honest current status is explained here. ## If you are on this list, you still matter Register anyway and spread the word, one convinced donor brings five more. And if you ever needed blood yourself, you understand the stakes better than anyone: share the register in your groups. Related: can I donate?, the 60-second checker · full eligibility page · iron levels and donation